(KNZA)--The Hiawatha school district will be searching for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Dr. Penny Hargrove confirmed to MSC News Thursday morning that she has accepted an offer to become superintendent of the Mingus Union High School District at Cottonwood, Arizona, effective July 1st.

The Verde Independent reports Hargrove was among four finalists interviewed for the position and the school district's board voted unanimously Tuesday to offer a contract to her.

Hargrove says she plans to submit her resignation to the Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education at their March 13th meeting, which will be effective at the end of the current school year, June 30th. She says she has informed Board President Dr. Pete Rosa and the other board members of her decision to accept the position in Arizona. “I have got a wonderful district in Hiawatha,” Hargrove told MSC News. “It's very difficult. It's been an extreme emotional roller coaster the last few days.”

Hargrove says her decision boils down to family. “I have a need, as does [my husband] Grover, to get closer to one our sons. Our son Kenny lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and we knew we didn't want to be in Phoenix proper, but we wanted to be within a few hours drive to be able to attend some of our grandchildren's events.”

Hargrove says the Mingus Union High School District has 13-hundred students in grades 9-12, which come from three partner schools. She says she like's Mingus Union's emphasis on college preparedness and career-ready programs, much like Hiawatha.

Hargrove has served as superintendent of the Hiawatha school district for five years. Her husband, Grover, currently serves as Recreation Director for the city of Hiawatha.