SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - Dr. Andrew Dick has been selected to succeed outgoing Scottsbluff Public Schools Superintendent Rick Myles, the SBPS School Board announced Friday.

The decision came after four consecutive days of interviews, where the Board heard from four finalists -- Dr. Andrew Dick, Todd Hilyard, Wendy Kemling-Horner, and Dr. Boyd Brown -- vying to succeed Superintendent Rick Myles when his 11-year-service to the district ends on July 1st.

Since 2019, Dr. Dick has served as the Administrator for ESU-13. Previously, he spent 15 years as an SBPS employee, working as a Business/Math Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal of Bluffs Middle School, and Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning at Scottsbluff High School, according to an SBPS news release.

President of the Scottsbluff School Board Ruth Kozal says selecting the finalist wasn’t easy, but it ultimately came down to Dr. Dick’s unmatched familiarity with the local school system.

“He was not only familiar with many of the innovations that have been introduced in the last 10 years, but had a hand in them as well,” Kozal said. “He is very enthusiastic about the position and has encouraged us as a board to push him so we can do more for our students. And he knows he’ll have a great staff to work with him.”

Dr. Dick says he looks forward to working with the Board to pick up where Mr. Myles left off.

“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve and lead Scottsbluff Public Schools,” Dr. Dick said. “I look forward to working alongside the Board of Education as well as the highly dedicated and talented staff of Scottsbluff Public Schools to continue moving the district forward and honoring our mission of Every Child, Every Day.”

In preparation for his superintendency, Dr. Dick will work closely with Mr. Myles through the remainder of his term to ensure stable, ongoing implementation of district programming.

Dr. Andrew Dick will assume the superintendency in July of this year.

- OLIVIA NEMEC