The Haskell school district is making strides to heal rifts created by decisions the former superintendent made that upset some teachers and residents.

The board has hired an interim superintendent, David Hutton, of Abilene, and has started the search process to find a permanent superintendent. It hopes to have someone in place early next year.

Former Haskell Superintendent James "Buck" Gilcrease left after the 2007-08 school year to take over the Hillsboro school district.

During the last school year, some teachers and residents complained that Gilcrease was too focused on test scores, and they disagreed with some actions he took, including the reassignment of the elementary principal to the high school in the afternoons, leaving the elementary with no male on campus.

Other Haskell teachers praised Gilcrease for starting innovative academic programs.

Hutton said Larry Howe, of Ballinger, has been hired as high school principal for 2008-09, freeing up the elementary principal to remain on his campus full time.

Gilcrease left Haskell while a class-action employee grievance against him was still pending.

In response to the grievance, school trustees instructed Hutton at the July 31 board meeting to review and revise, if he deems necessary, the policy for communication and administrative procedures for the district.

Hutton said he and Howe will be staying in school housing in Rochester, which is part of the Haskell school district.

Hutton has school administrator experience at several districts, including as Menard superintendent.

He said the 2008-09 school year is shaping up to be a promising one and that recently released state academic ratings are giving school officials something to brag about.

The high school and elementary received the top rating of "exemplary," and the junior high is rated "recognized," the second-highest rating.