by Miles Jung-Kilbreath
Reporter
Streetsboro -- "I'm thrilled, honored, and excited to be coming to Streetsboro," said Linda T. Keller, who was hired as the district's new superintendent at a April 24 meeting.
Keller, who will continue to act as Hudson City School District's director of pupil personnel services for the next few months, was hired unanimously by the Board.
"I'm sure [residents] will find Mrs. Keller to be a strong, enthusiastic, firm, and dedicated supporter of our children and the entire school district," School Board President Kevin Grimm said.
The contract Keller signed at the meeting will start on Aug. 1 and run through July 31, 2011. The contract states she will make $108,700 in her first year as superintendent. Keller was making $106,279 annually at Hudson, according to her application.
Current Superintendent Tom Giovangnoli, who announced in November he would retire July 31, is being paid $94,765 this year, while he collects his pension and forgoes $17,975 in benefits.
Keller also signed a consulting contract with district that will last until she officially takes over Aug. 1. School Treasurer Todd Puster said it is a "standard consulting contract" which will pay her $400 for a full day and $200 for a half day, with no maximum or minimum number of days.
Keller said she applied for the Streetsboro superintendent position because she believes that it is a "beautiful community, and the district is wonderful." She said the community is known for its appreciation of the district, and she is looking forward to seeing the future growth of the community.
While Keller said she plans to actively listen to both parents and residents to learn more about the challenges that the district faces, she has already set goals to make sure the community, School Board and the district have a great relationship working together.
"My relationship with the School Board members will grow with time," she said. "It's important for the benefit of our kids that we develop a good relationship."
According to Keller's resume, she graduated Kent State University with a master's degree in speech pathology and audiology. She earned superintendent certification from Ashland University in June 2007. Keller also has a background in special education, working as a speech pathologist.
She was the coordinator of special education for Akron Public Schools from 1996 to 2000. She also served five and half years as the student services director for Lakewood City Schools from 2000 to 2005.
In Hudson, Keller said she oversees special education, including health and safety, guidance, budgets and grants.
Grimm said the Board chose Keller despite a lack of previous teaching, principal or superintendent experience because she has a proven herself as an effective educational leader.
"She has unique experience from her past that is different from anyone else's in the district," Grimm said. "She will do wonders in Streetsboro."
Grimm said the Board of Education spent more than 150 hours of combined time conducting applicant interviews, checking references and backgrounds, and visiting candidates' current school districts.
Keller said she plans to work with Giovangnoli and School Treasurer Todd Puster to help create a "smooth transition" when she takes as superintendent Aug. 1. She said she is still working with the Hudson schools, but is discussing with that district when her resignation would officially take effect.
"I hope to continue all the positive programs that have been started and be able listen hard to our community," Keller said.
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