(KAIR)--A new Superintendent is named for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409.

Laura Batson will begin her duties in an official capacity on July 1.

That's according to a release from Atchison's USD 409, which says Batson was unanimously approved to fill the role of leadership during a special meeting of the School Board.

Following her selection, Batson issued a statement, saying she's "excited to join the USD 409 family and look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and community over the next few months," adding that she is "grateful for the opportunity to partner with the USD 409 Board of Education, teachers, and the greater Phoenix community to continue building successful futures for Atchison."

Batson currently serves as the Director of Teaching and Learning at USD 453 Leavenworth. In her role as Director of Teaching and Learning, Laura provides leadership to building administrators, established and implemented the vision for Earl Lawson Early Education Center, organizes, implements and supports professional learning for all certified staff, manages district accreditation and mentoring programs, and develops leadership capacity in facilitators, teachers, and administrators.

During her time at USD 453 Leavenworth, Batson has served as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, teacher, and Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, and Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics.

Prior to her roles in Leavenworth, Batson served as a teacher in Texas, Georgia, and Kansas, relocating because of Army obligations.

She holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.

Batson replaces the outgoing Superintendent, Dr. Renee Nugent, who's held the position since 2019, and leaves to take a state education position.

Batson was among three finalists for the role of Superintendent, selected over Nichole Honeywell, a longtime employee of the Atchison public school district who currently serves as USD 409- Director of Special Education, and Dr. Joshua Snyder, Executive Director of Elementary Schools at Kansas City Kansas Public Schools.