Jerry Hodson will be the next superintendent of schools in Chapman USD 473.

Board of Education President Judd Liebau confirmed after a special Board meeting Monday  morning that Hodson is their choice for the superintendent’s position. Hodson is currently the superintendent of schools for Atwood-Rawlins County.

Liebau said Hodson is a former principal in Wakefield, and has also served in the Wellington school district. “Jerry is a very sharp individual, seems to be a good communicator, and seems to be a good people person. Certainly understands budget issues and understands how to run a school.

Liebau noted that Hodson was one of four people interviewed for the job, and one of approximately 15 applicants. “Our goals are to make a transition as smoothly as possible. As a school board we want to just be supportive and be there to assist in that transition. We just look forward to getting into the next stage of USD 473.”

Hodson will succeed Lacee Sell who is resigning, effective June 30. She will become the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Manhattan USD 383.

Earlier this spring the majority of the Chapman school board voted not to extend the contract for Sell beyond June of 2017. That created some controversy in USD 473, with some members of the community expressing concern and opposition to that decision at a Board of Education meeting. Sell then decided to move to the position in the Manhattan  / Ogden school district.

The specific  starting date for Hodson in Chapman is still being determined.