HOWARD — Last year, James Peterson was an interim superintendent in Knox County, just not for East Knox Local School District.
He was serving Fredericktown Local Schools, before current superintendent Gary Chapman was appointed.
Today, Peterson was appointed as an interim superintendent once again during a special meeting of the East Knox Board of Education — four days after former East Knox Supt. Steve Larcomb resigned, citing retirement.
An interim superintendent is needed due to the new fiscal year beginning July 1. The board can’t make any purchases without a superintendent in place, East Knox treasurer Jessi Busenberg said.
Peterson’s contract lasts through July 31.
Board president Lindsay Bush said via email the board reviewed resumes on several candidates throughout this process and Peterson has had experience in both superintendent and interim superintendent positions over the years.
“Some of his experience saw time working here in Knox county in very similar district demographically speaking,” Bush said. “In taking all aspects into consideration, the board felt that Mr. Peterson was the best fit for the East Knox School District and community at this time.”
Though the meeting only lasted one minute, Peterson thanked the board members for their unanimous decision.
“I’m here to make this district even better than it was before,” Peterson said. “I thank you for that opportunity.”
Peterson, a Mount Vernon High School graduate, has years of experience in both private and public education. He was the former superintendent at Fredericktown Local Schools and River Valley Local Schools.
For East Knox, Peterson received a call asking if he could meet with several board members on Saturday to discuss the vacant position, he said.
“I’m not here to be a lame duck,” Peterson said in an interview with Knox Pages.
“I want to continue to progress or have this district progress by working with staff. By encouraging staff and students to do their very best.”
