PRESCOTT - The Prescott School District has selected a new superinten- dent. After a process that began with five candidates, background checks, and site visits, Brett Cox of Walla Walla was invited to address the publicWednesday eve- ning in the Prescott Elementary School library, as the school board was approach- ing the end of their search.

Cox will replace retiring Superintendent Bill Jordan, who has served in that po- sition for three years. He submitted his resignation in January and has assisted the Prescott School Board in their search for his replacement.

Currently the assistant principal at Garrison Middle School, Cox has worked in public education for 16 years. At the opening of Wednesday's meeting, he described his past roles as a teacher of Spanish, residential construction and material science. He has also served as a Peace Corps vol- unteer in Paraguay.

After working as assistant principal of Oakland Bay Junior High School in Shel- ton, Wash., Cox and his wife Julie decided that the Walla Walla area was better suited for raising a family. They have been with the Walla Walla School District for the past seven years. Julie cur- rently teaches English and Spanish at Wa-Hi.

When the meeting was opened up to questions from the public, Cox expressed his desire to be a strong presence in the district. "I'll be here every day. I'll know every kid by name-get to know their story," he said.

Cox discussed his inter- ests in continuing to foster a relationship with the small, self-contained community of Vista Hermosa, as well as the possibilities of a wood shop/auto body facility for the high school. He also acknowledged that a big hurdle would be in keep- ing enrollment up, stating that he wants to make sure Prescott's schools continue to grow and be healthy.

After being offered the position in Prescott, Cox said, "My family and I are very excited about becoming part of the Prescott community. I look forward to serving Prescott School District as Superintendent and working with the families in Prescott, Vista Hermosa and at Jubiliee Leadership Acad- emy. I believe my skills and experience are well suited for the job and the district."

The school board will meet again Thursday, and a motion to approve a contract with Cox is on the agenda. Cox is expected to begin as superintendent July 1.