OTHELLO — Interim Othello School District superintendent Pete Perez has been hired as its permanent superintendent, as Othello School Board members unanimously approved a three-year contract for Perez Wednesday.

Perez replaces Chris Hurst, who took a superintendent’s job in a California district in April.

Perez was hired as the interim to fill out the remainder of the 2020-21 school year, and given a one-year interim contract for the 2021-22 school year.

Board chair Mike Garza said at Wednesday’s special board meeting members originally intended to wait for a year, and possibly conduct a search during the 2021-22 school year, but they liked the job Perez had done during the final months of the school year.

“We have, I think, as a board seen the progress, we have seen the collaboration, we have seen the enthusiasm that the district is experiencing right now. We think a decision needs to be made, we have had a conversation, and we’re happy to be here,” Garza said.

Garza said board members decided to approve the contract Wednesday because it was considered the optimal time to make the change: superintendent contracts usually run from July 1 to June 30.

Perez thanked the board members for their commitment to the district and its staff.

Perez, 50, is a graduate of Othello High School and said he wanted to see the kids in Othello schools get the kind of education he received.

“I hope that each of them (current OSD students) has a life as rich as mine is, because of the people in the Othello School District and the community here; because it’s the community that raised me,” Perez said.

He praised the OSD staff and the work teachers, aids and administrators have done.

“A superintendency, just like a principalship, is about the people that you work with, and I know you (the board) all acknowledge the fantastic people that work in the school district,” he said.

Perez gave credit to a friend and mentor, Becky Downey, and former Othello superintendent George Juarez, for their example, which deeply influenced his career.

“When George left the Othello School District, it was better than when he arrived. I would be excited to have someone say that about me when my time here is done,” he said.