Following the conclusion of the 14 day waiting period required by state law, the Decatur County School Board officially hired Tim Cochran as the new superintendent at a called board meeting Friday afternoon.

Tim Cochran was formerly the superintendent in Atkinson County, a position he had held since 2011. He will officially assume the role of superintendent in Decatur County on Friday, July 1.

“I’m very excited about joining Decatur County Schools,” Tim Cochran said. “There’s a lot of great people over her and I look forward to getting know them and working with them and doing the very best we can for kids of Decatur County.”

Tim Cochran sighed a three-year contract with the Decatur County School Board. Per the agreed upon contract, Tim Cochran will be paid an initial annual salary of $155,000.

He will also receive a vehicle, which may be used for all personal and professional needs within the county and for duties related to his position outside the county.

The School Board will pay the employee contribution portion of Tim Cochran’s teacher retirement system and cover the insurance premium costs for him and his family. He will also be provided with a cell phone and laptop.

“We’re excited about him and think he’s going to do a great job,” Board Chairman Sydney Cochran said. “We have an excellent school system and I think he’ll make it even better.”

Additionally, the Board will pay for the dues to multiple state and national professional associations and one local civic club. They will also reimburse him for moving expenses up to $6000.