In an undisclosed vote during an executive session Monday night, the Prentiss County School Board appointed retired administrator, Billy D. Stroupe, 62, of Pisgah, to serve as interim superintendent.

He replaces Supt. Todd Swinney, Wheeler School’s principal, who was serving in that position on a temporary basis while continuing to fulfill his principal duties at Wheeler.

Swinney was appointed after Matt Smith resigned as superintendent last month, citing alleged harassment and intimidation of himself and his family from some in the community regarding his stance on restructuring issues.

Smith has since taken a position as principal at Kossuth School. He is the first known elected superintendent to resign from the post in the history of Prentiss County.

Stroupe, serving as the district’s third superintendent in as many weeks, “hit the ground running” the following day. He was sworn it at 8 a.m. by Judge John Hatcher and met with staff members the same morning.

Board Chairman Rickie Davis told this publication that Stroupe has a great task ahead of him in regard to restructuring and other issues.

“With everyone’s cooperation, I hope he can find a solution that will get the district back on track and one that will be productive for this county,” Davis said.

Stroupe has a total of 27 years in education, 20 of those in administrative roles. He served as principal of Jumpertown and Hills Chapel schools for 10 years.

He was also the superintendent of the North Tippah School District for 10 years.

Stroupe received his bachelor’s degree from Delta State University, his masters in education from the University of Mississippi and his education specialist degree at Mississippi College.

Stroupe will serve as an interim until the Nov. 2 general election.

Stroupe was selected from four candidates who applied for the temporary post, according to Richard Bowen, the PCSD attorney.

Bowen also said the official tally of Monday’s vote would be disclosed later this month at the March 15 meeting when the minutes of Monday night’s meeting are approved.

Following the executive session action, board member Steve Taylor reminded the audience if they were not pleased with the board’s decision in naming Stroupe interim superintendent, the post would go through the elective process in November. Whomever is elected then will serve the remainder of Smith’s unexpired term with the post to be included in the countywide election of 2011.

The board had several special meetings in past weeks to discuss the vacant post in executive sessions.