photo by Cris Ritchie | Hazard Herald

Then Interim Superintendent Jonathan Jett (at left) conversed with board members James Ritchie and Charlene Miller during the school board's October 2012 meeting.

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HAZARD — Eight months ago the Perry County school board tapped Jonathan Jett to head the school district as interim superintendent. On Friday, following a marathon of interviews that lasted well into the evening, he stepped into the position full time.

Jett was one of five candidates the board interviewed for the superintendent’s job throughout the day on Friday. He was eventually hired on a vote of 3-2, signing a contract to serve as superintendent for the next four years. Board Chairman John C. Combs, along with members Debbie McIntosh and Charlene Miller, voted in favor of the hire, while members James Ritchie and Jerry Stacy voted “no.”

Combs said on Saturday that Jett had performed well in the interim position, and he viewed the board’s decision as the right one for the district.

“I think he’s done a real good job out there,” Combs said. “He’s young and he’s got a good future ahead of him, and he’s got a good head. He stops and thinks about what he does, and he’s a worker.”

A graduate of the former Dilce Combs High School, Jett is a native of Perry County who previously worked as the district’s chief academic officer, and then head of maintenance and transportation. He was named interim superintendent in October 2012, following the abrupt retirement of former Superintendent John Paul Amis.

“I think he’s got a good opportunity to do a good job,” Combs added, “and I expect big things out of him.”