The Andalusia City School Board voted unanimously to install Ted Watson as superintendent.

Watson, a 21-year veteran of the school system, has served the system as teacher and administrator and has worked at all three schools.

“It’s unique,” board member Bill King said. “He’s taught here and been an administrator and he’s been in all three schools.”

Board member Amy Dugger said Watson has an “enthusiasm that is contagious.”

“I don’t think you can find a better quality candidate who is for the students and teachers wrapped up in one,” she said.

Watson was named interim superintendent in late May after the board voted to amend former Superintendent Dr. Beverly McAnulty’s contract.

King said that he had been on the board long enough to hire five superintendents and said he didn’t think it was necessary for them to hire someone to conduct the search.

All board members agreed.

The board voted to give Board Chairman David Bryant the authority to negotiate a contract and salary with Watson.

“I am humbled by the opportunity you all have given me,” Watson said. “Andalusia City Schools is something special. I have the opportunity to work with some awesome people.”

Watson was the only candidate to apply for the position.

The board was required to post the job for 30 days, which was up Aug. 23.

State policy required the board to fill the vacancy within 120 days, which would have ended on Sept. 24.

In other business the board:

• voted to move Matt Johnson from his position as math teacher to position as paraprofessional, effective Aug. 2. Watson said there was an issue with Johnson’s certification, but he will have the certification in January.

The board did not hire a teacher to replace Johnson, but Watson said it did buy out some teachers’ planning periods to facilitate the classes.