The Benton School Board has chosen Dr. Laura Nelson to fill the school’s superintendent position. Kyle Luedtke announced his resignation from the position last month.

“I am honored and thrilled to serve as Benton’s superintendent,” Nelson said. “I am drawn to this position because of my experience and success in working in rural school districts similar to Benton. In schools that I have worked with, we have been able to earn back-to-back school improvement awards, have strengthened relationships and utilized technology to accelerate learning.”

Nelson has several degrees, all from the Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.:

- Bachelor of Science in Education (business education)

- Master of Science in Instructional Technology

- Master of Science in Educational Administration

- Education Specialist

- Doctorate of Educational Leadership

She currently serves as the clinical supervisor of student teachers at Luther College and Western Governors University. Previously she was a superintendent at Scales Mound, Amboy and Steward schools and PK-8 principal at Bureau Valley School as well as business teacher and coach at Forreston, Orion and Bureau Valley schools.

“I am energized by all of the people that I have met so far,” Nelson said. “Many great programs and experiences are in place, and I look forward to working with the team to create new learning partnerships.”

She and her husband, David, have two sons: Angus and Cooper. She will begin her new role at Benton Schools July 1.