DECATUR — Jeff Gravette, of Bella Vista, was chosen to be the next Decatur Northside Elementary School Principal.

The Decatur School Board held a special meeting Monday night to cast a vote on hiring Gravette. Board members Aaron Owens, Ike Owens and Kevin Smith voted in favor of hiring Gravette. Board member Darleen Holly was not present.

Gravette is currently a middle school teacher at the Gravette Middle School and has 10 years of teaching experience, according to his resume. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Arkansas.

“He is a bright young man with a bright future,” said Decatur School District superintendent Larry Ben.

Gravette was hired at a salary of $60,000. He was chosen from a field of 12 applicants, six of whichwere interviewed on Saturday, first by a building-level team of teachers and parents, followed by a district-level interview team consisting of administrators, directors, a board member and the superintendent.

Community, Pages 10 on 05/16/2012