Cape Girardeau business manager Larry Dew has taken an assistant superintendency at Poplar Bluff schools.

The Poplar Bluff Board of Education voted to hire Dew Thursday night. He officially begins work July 1.

Dew has been business manager in Cape Girardeau since 1981.

Dew said the decision was a difficult one, because he and his wife have become attached to Cape Girardeau.

His wife, Judy, also was hired to be a teacher for Poplar Bluff schools' gifted program. She works in a similar job here.

"After 10 years in any job," Dew said, "it is time to move on."

Both his children have graduated from college, and he said it was time for a change.

Over a year ago, he began looking at what direction he wanted to take his career.

Dew applied for three jobs and got three offers. He turned down a superintendent position in Illinois and a job as the business manager and fund-raiser for a private school in Kansas City.

Poplar Bluff Superintendent Michael L. Johnson said Dew's 14 years of experience as a business manager put him ahead of the other four candidates for the job.

Johnson added that Cape Girardeau's budget and accounting system are similar to Poplar Bluff's. "It was a natural," he said. "We feel very fortunate to get him."

The superintendent added that Judy Dew was the top choice for her teaching position.

Officially, his new title at Poplar Bluff is assistant superintendent of business operations. He will oversee transportation, food service, buildings and grounds and adult education.

Dew said Poplar Bluff schools are getting ready to build a new $6.5 million elementary school for fifth and sixth grades.

Jo Peukert, president of Cape Girardeau's Community Teachers Association, said Dew has been an advocate for teachers during his tenure here.

"Poplar Bluff's gain is Cape Girardeau's loss," she said. "Larry Dew will be missed."

Dew is active in Kiwanis club, serves as an elder at First Presbyterian Church and has been involved in soccer and swimming.