Senath-Hornersville principal accepts Southland superintendent position

CARDWELL, Mo. -- During a special closed-session meeting on Thursday, the Southland Board of Education made the decision to offer the superintendent position to current Senath-Hornersville High School Principal Kim Campbell.

During the meeting, the five candidates for the superintendent position were interviewed, including, Campbell, Southland Elementary principal Alicia Shaw, retired Southland Elementary principal John Prince, Senath-Hornersville Public Schools agricultural director John Dern, and Senath-Hornersville Middle School math teacher Becca Cook.

Following the interviews, the board made the decision to offer the position to Campbell based on his experience in administration.

"All of them were good candidates but (Campbell) had more experience in administration," said School Board President Derrick Higgins. "I think he will be a good motivator."

"I'm just excited about move," Campbell said. "I spent the first six years there as a teacher and coach and was very fortunate and blessed to have started my career there. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to go back."

Higgins said the interview process began at 5:30 p.m., Thursday evening. The decision was made at around 11:30 p.m. that night. He said the contract has yet to be finalized.

Board member Lonnie Gibson, Jr., said the board was impressed with all five candidates, yet he feels Campbell was the right choice for the direction the board hopes to go.

"Twelve or 13 years ago when Mr. [Raymond] Lasley was hired, for the direction the board saw fit to go, we couldn't have asked for a better leader," Gibson said. "I think Mr. Campbell was the best choice for the direction we hope to go."