Hudson educator gets head post at Streetsboro

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by Miles Jung-Kilbreath

Reporter

Streetsboro -- The Board of Education's decision to hire Linda T. Keller as superintendent April 24 drew a standing ovation from the audience.

"I appreciate the warm reception," Keller said as the applause died down.

According to Keller's contract, the three-year agreement will start Aug. 1 and run until July 31, 2011. She will earn $108,700 in her first year.

Keller most recently served as director of pupil personnel services for the Hudson school district.

Current Superintendent Tom Giovangnoli, whose last day is July 31, is being paid $94,765, while he collects his pension and forgoes $17,975 in benefits.

Keller also signed a consulting contract with the district that will last until she officially takes over Aug. 1.

Treasurer Todd Puster said it was 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 she has to work.

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.

Parent Brad Clevenger said while he has heard good things about Keller, he plans to wait to "see what she does" before making any judgments.

"I hope she is able to bring people who are on the fence onto the side [of the schools]," he said.

Hudson Board of Education President Bruce Hubach said losing Keller is a "tremendous loss," but that Streetsboro found "the absolute best candidate."

"Our loss is their gain," he said. "I wish Linda and the [Streetsboro schools] my best for the future."

Former Councilman Chuck Kocisko said he thinks it was "a good move," and liked her background in special education as pathologist and coordinator of special education in Akron schools.

Wait Primary School Principal Jon Natko said that while the faculty will miss Giovangnoli, they were also "very excited" about Keller becoming the new superintendent.

Giovangnoli said Keller is "well qualified" for the position and hopes "everyone gives her a chance. I hope people will be open minded."

E-mail:

mjungkilbreath@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3152