Reception held for new Hallsville Schools superintendent

The Hallsville School District welcomed its new superintendent with a reception Wednesday night.

The event was held for John Downs from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. in the Hallsville Intermediate Commons.

Downs has been serving as interim superintendent while continuing his duties as assistant superintendent after the resignation of longtime Hallsville Superintendent John Robertson.

Robertson cited personal reasons last February. ABC 17 News previously reported the resignation came amid potential budget cuts.

ABC 17 News was at Down’s reception and asked what the biggest challenge is for the district moving forward.

“Our biggest challenge moving forward is that our enrollment is growing,” Downs said. “With growing enrollment that means we need additional resources.”

The Board of Education began the superintendent application process in early October. Eleven candidates were screened in mid-November. The Board met in December and made the selection. Downs officially accepted the two-year contract at the Board of Education meeting on January 17.

Downs’ term as superintendent will officially start on July 1.