Popular superintendent leaving Gadsden schools

The popular superintendent of the Gadsden schools is leaving behind a tenure of turmoil and progress to take a similar job just across the state line.

Ron Haugen will become the superintendent of the Anthony, Texas Independent School District on Aug. 1, the Las Cruces Sun-News is reporting. He leaves the Gadsden Independent School District after 26 years, including six as superintendent.

Haugen was fired from the top job in 2005 by a board that was mired in scandal. Community outrage led to the overwhelming recall of the four board members who voted to fire Haugen, and a new board appointed by the state superintendent reinstated Haugen in 2006.

Even during the controversy, the number of Gadsden schools that met state benchmarks increased. Math and reading proficiency scores improved. Haugen leaves the district in better shape than he inherited it.

Haugen said he is excited about the new job.

“When I arrived here in 1975, I knew no one,” he said in a news release. “As I depart in 2007, I leave with a lifetime of friendships and a treasure chest full of positive memories and experiences.”