EL PASO - Rick Johnston of Mount Carmel has been named superintendent of the El Paso-Gridley School District. He starts Feb. 1.

Johnston is currently the director of technology services and Mount Carmel Middle School principal. The medium-sized district is located in southeastern Illinois.

"Rick is a great fit for EP-G. He has excellent leadership skills and his enthusiasm and excitement for education is contagious," said board president John Hartness.

Johnston replaces Bill James, who left after three years of leading the consolidated district to become principal of Rooks Creek Unit 425 in Graymont, east of Pontiac. Don Hahn, retired Olympia superintendent, is EP-G's interim superintendent.

Board member DeLois Wilkey said EP-G "will benefit greatly from Rick's plans and desire to move our school district into the future as one of the best districts in the area."

Johnston and his wife drove to El Paso the night before his first interview, went to a football game and spent the night.

"I talked with some parents that night, have met with all the administrators, talked with a few teachers - there is such an upside to El Paso-Gridley right now," he said. "We will look at all areas and be proud of what we do well and look for ways to improve in those areas we need to."