The next logical progression is how Northside Principal John Hyatt describes his future job in Twin Falls, Idaho.

After working more than 20 years for the Churchill County School District, Hyatt accepted a principal's position at O'Leary Junior High School. His last day with the Churchill County School District is officially June 30.

The Northside principal stressed nothing could be further from the truth that he is taking this new position because his school is being reconfigured as the district's early childhood center.

Facing budget issues, the school board earlier this month voted to change Northside from a kindergarten to sixth-grade school to a preschool and kindergarten site.

"It's the next logical step in the career I have," he said.

Superintendent Carolyn Ross said Hyatt will be greatly missed. She said he has served in many capacities with students always coming first.

"He brings people together to provide exceptional teaching (to students)," she said.

Renee Corocoran, a fifth grade teacher, said Hyatt will be missed.

"He is a great principal, he did a great job and we loved him," she said.

Hyatt originally came to the Churchill County School District in the mid-1980s as a science teacher after teaching nine years in Schurz. Before his stint at Schurz, Hyatt taught in the Elko County School District.

He became an assistant principal at E.C. Best Elementary School in 1994 and moved to the high school six years later. Hyatt was named principal at Northside three years ago.

"I had a wonderful time in Churchill County, but this is the next challenge," he said. "I am thrilled at this opportunity."

He said he has always been a people person, which helped him with students, parents and other staff members.

"This district has very good teachers, students and parents," Hyatt said. "It has been a wonderful opportunity to me."

"There has not been a bad year since moving here 22 years ago," he said, adding that he commuted from Schurz for a year.

He said the job in Twin Falls will be his first education job outside of Nevada. Hyatt said he and the school district in Twin Falls mutually sought each other out, but Hyatt also mentioned he has a daughter living in Nampa, Idaho. The Northside principal said he likes the state of Idaho and always wanted to live there.

"I knew I would eventually move to Idaho," he said, adding he already has his teaching license from Idaho. "I really enjoy the state of Idaho. It's beautiful, and the people are wonderful."

He thinks the Twin Falls School District discovered he was interested because of applications he filled out online.

He said family considerations also played a role in the decision to move, as he has a daughter living nearby. He added, though, that he also has a daughter living in Carson City.

Hyatt said the decision was difficult because of the friendships he fostered while living in Fallon.

"I enjoyed how friendly people are. I have met thousands of people here. Fallon is a friendly city," he said.

His four daughters graduated from Churchill County High School.

"It's been a good experience to have been here. I am hoping for a just as good experience (in Idaho)," he said.