by Miles Jung-Kilbreath
Reporter
Streetsboro -- School faculty members and residents turned out and gave new superintendent Linda T. Keller a standing ovation after she signed her contract with the district at an April 24 special Board meeting.
"I appreciate the warm reception," Keller said as the applause died down.
Keller's contract, approved unanimously by the School Board, runs for Aug. 1 to July 31, 2011. She will be paid $108,700 during the 2008-09 school year.
Mayor Tom Wagner attended the meeting and said he plans to work with Keller to create a "closer relationship between the city and the schools."
"It's important that we work together, since both of us are going to be here for quite a while," Wagner said.
While he has heard good things about Keller, parent Brad Clevenger said he plans to wait and "see what she does" before passing judgment.
"I hope she is able to bring people who are on the fence on to the side [of the schools]," he said.
Hudson School Board President Bruce Hubach said losing Keller is a "tremendous loss" for his district, but that Streetsboro found "the absolute best candidate."
"Our loss is their gain," Hubach said. "I wish Linda and the [Streetsboro school] district my best for the future."
Former City Council member Chuck Kocisko called the hiring "a good move," adding he's glad she has a background in special education as pathologist and coordinator of special education at Akron Public Schools.
While he believes the faculty would miss Giovangnoli, Wait Primary School Principal Jon Natko said teachers are also "very excited" about Keller becoming the new superintendent.
Giovangnoli said Keller is "well qualified" for the position, adding he hopes "everyone gives her a chance."