(KNZA)--A new Jackson Heights superintendent has been named.

Following a special meeting Monday morning, the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education announced the selection of James Howard to fill the position.

He will take over July 1. Howard will replace Adrianne Walsh who is leaving the district at the end of the current school year after 14 years with the district---the last 10 years as superintendent.

Howard has broad eduational experience as a teacher, administrator and superintent of schools. He is the current superintendent for Hoxie Community School USD 412. Howard, a Hiawatha High School graduate, previously served as district administrator for Doniphan West USD 111.

He was among four finalists interviewed last week for the position by the USD 335 Board.  The other finalists included Dr. Volora Hanzlicek, current superintendent at Valley Falls USD 338; Dustin McEwen, current 7-8 grade principal and athletic director at Norton USD 211; and Jennifer Gatz, current assistant superintendent at Prairie Hills USD 113.  

The USD 335 Board said “ we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.”