DALTON - After four years away, Chuck Bunner is returning to education as the Interim Superintendent at Leyton Public Schools.

School Board Members Suzy Ernest, Ryan Borges, Roland Rushman and Dave Wiedeman approved Bunner's contract during a meeting in front of approximately 50 people at the high school library Friday afternoon in Dalton. 

Bunner, who starts in the new position on Monday, plans to immediately review programs and get involved with staff, the community and the school to find out what their needs are.

"I just need to get involved, find out what's working with them," Bunner said. "I've never been a great 'change person.' I really like to come in, see what's working, and see what I can lend to them with my knowledge and background."

The contract is terminated if current Superintendent, Chris Geary is readmitted, or the school board fills the position with another candidate. Geary was placed on paid administrative leave last week. Officials have not released information on why Geary remains away from the school campuses in Dalton and Gurley. 

"I just hope I can meet enough community members, explain what we're doing in the district to do things for their kids, and make it better for the kids," Bunner said. "They begin to see what we're doing is moving in the right direction. With that, we just hope they begin to think that we're an okay bunch and we'll get to work with them. I will try and involve the community as much as possible."

Bunner, a graduate from Chadron State College, has been involved in education for 47 years. He was a teacher at Kimball Public Schools for 17 years, served as the principal at Potter when the school consolidated with Dix, and has been the superintendent at Sidney, Revere, Colo., and Minatare. 

Recently, Bunner was the part-time principal at Ovid when they were constructing their new school building. He was also an Improvement Program Manager (federal program) for three years.

The Leyton School Board is also accepting applications for the two vacant spots left behind when Galen Bartling and Anne Rexroth resigned last week after Geary was placed on paid administrative leave. Applications must be received by February 5 at 8:30 a.m.