HOWARD — East Knox Local Schools has selected its new leader for the next three years.
Richard J. Baird was the school board’s unanimous choice Thursday to be the district’s new superintendent.
He received a three-year contract at an annual salary of $135,000.
Baird has been the superintendent of the North Union Local School District in Richwood, Ohio (Union County) since 2015. He served as chair of the Union County Family Council and Union County Drug-Free Youth Coalition.
Prior to North Union, Baird was a middle school principal in Dublin City School District for nine years. He was also an assistant principal at a Dublin middle school for three years.
More than 50 individuals from the East Knox Local School District community were part of the interview process, including focus groups representing all aspects of the school community, according to an East Knox press release.
Teachers, administrators, support staff, community leaders, students and parents participated in the final interview, the release stated.
Academic progress, learning, staff and student wellness, planning for future success and clear communication throughout the district are targets of growth for Baird.
“The facilities are beautiful and the district is financially sound thanks to the hard work of the board, current and past administration and Treasurer Jessi Busenburg,” Baird said in a written statement. “I can’t wait to become part of it.
“I am honored to serve and become a part of the East Knox Local School District.”
Board president Lindsay Bush said the district will give the community opportunities to meet Baird in the coming months.
Twenty applicants applied for the position, Busenburg said, adding the hiring process began in mid-February.