Anthony Naradko has been preparing for his new position, assistant director of school services for transportation and safety, for 10 months.

When he takes over July 1, Naradko will have spent an entire year learning the job from outgoing longterm director Jeff Emig, who will be retiring.

When Naradko was chosen as Emig's successor last June, District Superintendent Richard Sniscak explained the need to prepare in advance for the future of the transportation department leadership.

"We felt it was imperative to have a strong succession plan in place," Sniscak said at the time.

With 160 buses and other school vehicles transporting 10,000 students on a daily basis, Sniscak stressed the importance of having someone trained to handle the responsibilities when Emig departs on June 30.

For this school term, the board created the position supervisor of transportation and safety for Naradko, who had been an assistant principal at the high school.

At the March 17 meeting, the board made it all official by appointing Naradko to Emig's position effective July 1.

His annual salary will be $102,843.

Naradko will be reporting to David Keppel, director of school services.

Keppel commented on Naradko's advancement.

"He will be completely in charge of transportation in the school district," Keppel said. "He's been transitioning with Jeff Emig since July. There are different levels of responsibility.

"He's gaining more responsibility than he has now as supervisor of transportation and safety."

In other business, Vladimir Strock was approved to advance from garage foreman to transportation coordinator at the Troxell building.

The board accepted the retirement of Debra Nagy, teacher of gifted students at Fogelsville and Jaindl schools, after 38 years of service in education.

School directors also approved summer school dates for middle and high school students from June 29 to Aug. 6.