School Board Extends Contract to Senior for District Superintendent

By Travis Volz

The West Washington County Unit District Board extended a contract to current Okawville High School principal Keith Senior to replace Scott Fuhrhop as superintendent.

The board made the offer Monday night following an executive session at the end of the monthly meeting. Senior will take over July 1 following Fuhrhop’s retirement.

Fuhrhop announced that he would retire in 2021, and the school board began the search earlier this year by hiring a consultant from the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Board President Kurt Heckert said that the board initially interviewed six candidates narrowed the field to three before ultimately choosing  Senior.

“There were a lot of great candidates, but we felt like Keith was the best fit,” Heckert said. “He has been a hard worker for the district for the last six years, he brings a lot of energy and new ideas, plus he knows the building inside and out.”

Another advantage that Senior brings is the chance to work with Fuhrhop over the next seven months to make the transition from one superintendent to the next as seamless as possible.

Senior was hired as principal at Okawville High School six years ago. Prior to that, he worked as principal and superintendent at St. Bruno Catholic School in Pinckneyville and St. Michael School in Radom.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Senior said. “I’ve always worked well with Scott, and I look forward to continuing to work in this great community.”

Read the full article and all topics covered in the school board meeting in this week’s issue.