The current assistant superintendent of the schools at Valley Center will become the new superintendent of the Hiawatha School District.
Following a short closed-door session at a special meeting Thursday evening, the Hiawatha School Board voted unanimously to hire Penny Hargrove as the next superintendent of schools.
Hargrove has been offered a two-year contract at an annual salary of $106,000 plus benefits.
Board President Dave Thompson commented on why the board selected Hargrove from among four candidates interviewed for the position...( play audio )
Hargrove has served as assistant superintendent of schools in Valley Center USD 262 for the past four years.
She spent three years as a building principal prior to becoming assistant superintendent—including one year as a middle school principal at Valley Center and two years in Clay Center USD 379.
For the first ten years of her career, Hargrove was a middle school science teacher.
She received her bachelors degree from Kansas Newman College in 1994, her masters degree in educational administration from Wichita State University in 2007 and will complete her doctorate within the next year from Wichita State University.
Hargrove will begin her duties with the Hiawatha School District on July 2nd 
She will replace John Severin who is retiring at the end of the current school year after more than 35 years in education.