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School Board hires new principals
Board opts to combine high school principal and district superintendent position

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Williams Unified School District Governing Board hired a new Williams Elementary-Middle School (WEMS) principal and hired a combined high school principal and school superintendent.

Carissa Morrison will begin the school year at WEMS. Morrison previously worked for the Seligman School District. The board hired Richard Honsinger as the district's new principal and superintendent. Honsinger comes from Mogollon High School in Heber, Arizona.

Nixon said the board did not expect to find people to fill the vacant positions so quickly.

"We had some very good applicants, and our first choices accepted immediately," he said.

Nixon had previously said an interim superintendent would likely be appointed until the board could find a suitable replacement.

A hiring committee made up of administrators, teachers, board members, and other certified and non-certified staff conducted interviews and gave recommendations to the board.

"Morrison and Honsinger were at the top of everyone's lists," Nixon said. "We feel very fortunate that they accepted the positions."

The board originally hired Honsinger as the high school principal, but Nixon said everyone in the interview process felt he was qualified for both the principal and superintendent positions. The board approached Honsinger about the possibility of accepting both positions and he accepted.

"We feel that he is going to do well in both jobs," Nixon said. "We'll see how that works out. Honsinger is very optimistic, but he doesn't want either position to suffer. We are going to see how the first year works, with his input, and then we will revisit the decision."

The Williams district has had a combined principal and superintendent in the past. Steve Hudgens filled both positions before he retired in 2012.

According to Nixon, both new administrators know there is work to be done academically within the school district and are eager to get started. Morrison attended a recent presentation by educational consultant Charlotte Wing about the detailed needs assessment for the district.

"She jumped right in with questions and requesting copies of the reports," Nixon said. "We have no doubt that Honsinger will do the same when the accreditation report comes out June 22."

Although both of the administration positions have been filled, the board is still working out the final details with their contracts. Former WUSD Superintendent Rachel Savage's contract ended June 30 and the board hopes to have Morrison ready by then.

The district business manager and high school counselor positions have not been filled yet.

"The business manger position can be difficult to fill. We're waiting for Honsinger to come on board so he can help with the hiring of that position since he will be working directly with that individual," Nixon said.

In other school district news, board members accepted the resignation of Williams Elementary Middle School Principal Bryan Lords on May 20.

Lords accepted a position as the Rigby High School assistant principal in Rigby, Idaho. School Board President Herman Nixon said Lords grew up in that area and has family in the area.


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