GRAVETTE — The Gravette School District will have a new high school principal in the 2012-13 school year. James “Jay” Chalk was offered the position by the Gravette Board of Education after an extensive search and interview process that culminated last Tuesdayevening. Chalk was offered a contract with an annual salary of $83,000.

Chalk, a native of Clinton, has worked in education for 19 years and is currently employed in the public schools in Omaha, Ark., as high school principal and district curriculum coordinator.

He began his career in education at Gateway High School, located inArlington, Texas, as athletic director, teacher and coach.

Prior to employment with the Omaha district, he was an assistant principal at Saginaw High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

He holds a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Arkansas, a master of education degree from Harding University andis currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership studies at Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas.

Chalk and his wife Jennifer have three children, Jay, Jaki and Jobe.

Chalk replaces Jo Ellen Hastings, who announced her retirement in December, 2011, after a 27-year career in the Gravette school district.

News, Pages 12 on 04/04/2012