Nichole Jiran will begin her work as superintendent of Hopewell-Loudon Schools Aug. 1.
Board of education members approved her contract at an evening meeting Friday.
They agreed Jiran was the right pick for the district because of her focus and good reputation. She formerly worked as a principal at Kirkersville Elementary in the Southwest Licking district.
"I'm ready to jump in feet first and look forward to working with all of you," Jiran told board members, faculty, staff, parents and students in attendance.
"I wanted to work in a small, close-knit community," she said about her decision to take the position. "The school motto, 'An excellent school - Striving to become better' matches my own philosophy."
Jiran will earn $95,000 a year as H-L superintendent during the next three school years.
Other board approvals were Kristine Lotyez as head volleyball coach and a 2012-13 contract with North Central Ohio Educational Service Center.
