Poteau hires Turner as interim superintendent

By KEN MILAM

POTEAU – A longtime figure in LeFlore County education was hired Thursday as interim superintendent of Poteau Public Schools.

In a special meeting, the school board voted to hire Dr. John Turner, who retired after nine years as superintendent at Arkoma. Before that, Turner served seven years in the same post at Whitesboro.

Turner said he retired after 50 years in education, almost half of that in superintendent positions here and New Mexico.

School Board President Ranada Adams said the search would continue for a permanent replacement for Don Sjoberg, who is retiring at the end of this month.

Adams said Turner had “a great resume,” and in addition to leading school districts, had experience with the state Department of Education.

Turner said he had been contacted by a former Poteau Schools employee, who praised the district and encouraged him to look into the job.

“I’ve been retired, and I’m ready to go back to work,” he said.

He said his first order of business would be to meet the staff and familiarize himself with the district and its needs.

Also Thursday, the board voted to hire Taylor Weterfield as early childhood teacher pending certification and Montoya Seymour as paraprofessional.

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