JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Education has hired Rita Fischer as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

The school board voted to hire Fischer during a closed meeting Tuesday. She replaces Fred Jones, who announced his retirement last month.

Superintendent Ron Anderson said the school board chose to hire Fischer rather than conduct an external search for candidates.

"You always look both internally and externally when hiring. With this position we basically didn't have to go any further than inside," he said. "She's just an outstanding educator and person."

Fischer, who supervises state and federal grant programs within the district, may be the first female to hold a lead administrative position. While that may be important to note, Fischer said she wants to concentrate on becoming familiar with her new responsibilities, which will include hiring certified personnel and working with teachers and principals to develop or maintain programming.

Her new job begins July 1.

"It's probably a change in some ways, but I really look on it more as I hope I'm the best person for the job," she said. "I'm continually amazed at the support we get from parents and teachers and administrators. It's just a really good place to work"

Fischer has worked for the Jackson School District for five years, including four as principal at West Lane Elementary School. Prior to that she served as principal at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson for five years and at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School in Cape Girardeau for two years.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in speech pathology and has completed graduate work in elementary education and administration at Southeast Missouri State University. She is scheduled to receive a University of Missouri doctorate in educational leadership in May.

Fischer and her husband, Tim, have four children and live in Cape Girardeau.