By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Teacher Rene Burns has been hired as the new O'Loughlin Elementary School principal.
The Hays USD 489 school board approved her contract at its meeting Monday night.
Burns, who is teaching third-grade this year at O'Loughlin, will replace Vicki Gile, who will be retiring when her contract expires in June.
Burns is in her 14th year as a teacher at O'Loughlin.
She was honored with the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award in May 2020.
"We are very excited to have Rene," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "She brings a lot of excitement, energy and enthusiasm. She is going to be a great fit for O'Loughlin. The staff, who were on the interview committee, are really excited to have her."
John Linn, assistant principal at Hays High School, has also announced his retirement after three years of service with USD 489.