The Mars Area School Board has hired a new top administrator.
By a vote of 8-0 Tuesday night, the board approved a five year contract with Dr. Mark Gross to begin on July 1st at a base salary of $172,000.
The district hired a consultant to assist with the search process which included review of feedback from employees, staff, and community members as well as Zoom interviews with 20 candidates followed by a second round with seven candidates. The two finalists met with teachers and staff before the board made their final choice.
Dr. Gross comes to the district from Hempfield Area School District where he was Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education. The district is planning to hold a Superintendent Meet and Greet event for the Mars community when social distancing guidelines are relaxed.
The board also approved a new five year contract with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth McMahon beginning July 1st at a yearly salary of just over $139,000 by a vote of 6-2.
