SCRANTON -- The Scranton School District has a new superintendent.
The Scranton School Board voted 6-3 to name 66-year old Dr. Alexis Kirijan as the district’s new superintendent.
Kirijan, a Scranton native, holds a doctorate of education. She previously worked as an administrator in the Atlanta public school district. She was selected from three finalists after a nation-wide search and will fill the position left vacant with the resignation of long-time superintendent Dr. Bill King who left the job last June.
Kirijan, who will be the first female superintendent for the district, was not at the meeting for the announcement.
"No, she had no intention to be here. There's no need for her to hear this," said Board President Cy Douiahy.
Before the votes were cast, board members voiced their reasons why they were for or against this hire. One of the biggest criticisms to Kirijan being selected as the new leader of the district was her distant connection to Scranton School Board President Cy Douiahy.
"I have no problem with any of the candidates personally. My problem relates to the relationship, with regards to having the president of the Scranton School District being a relative of the superintendent," said board member Mark McAndrew.
"Dr. Kirijan is the niece of the late husband of my second cousin and I do not consider her a relative and that's as far as I'm going to discuss it," Douiahy said.
The board said all the candidates were interviewed by an outside agency with only one board member, Armand Martinelli participating.
Kirijan's five-year contract with the district comes with a salary of $150,000 a year with a 2.5 percent annual raise.
The majority of the board said she was the most qualified for the job, scoring 100 points more than any other candidate.
"She was by far the best candidate that I've interviewed. She's going to be an asset to this district," board member Armand Martinelli said.
The board plans to formally introduce Dr. Kirijan during a news conference Friday at 11 a.m. at the administration building on North Washington Avenue.