A large crowd filled the Artman Elementary School community room in Hermitage Wednesday to applaud the school district’s incoming and outgoing superintendents.

In a unanimous vote, the school board hired Karen Ionta as the district’s next superintendent; Director Victor Ellenberger, who was ill, did not vote. The crowd of more than 100 stood and applauded the board’s selection.

"I am deeply honored, appreciative and humbled," said Mrs. Ionta, the district’s assistant superintendent. "I thank the board for this opportunity, and I promise that I will give a 1 million-percent effort every day."

"This is already an outstanding school district," she added.

In accepting the offer, Mrs. Ionta also praised the efforts of Superintendent Dr. Louis C. Mastrian, whose contract expires at the end of June. "You are a true gentleman," she said, drawing another standing ovation from the crowd and an emotional smile from Mastrian.

The board hired Mrs. Ionta for five years, beginning July 1.

Mrs. Ionta, 48, will earn $89,900 in her first year -- a $5,000 raise over her current salary. Future raises will be based on performance and budgetary considerations. "She insisted on that in her interview. She said she didn’t want guaranteed increases," said board President Duane J. Piccirilli.

Piccirilli said Mrs. Ionta’s immediate priorities are helping the district find a director of curriculum, instruction and special services -- Mrs. Ionta’s job before she became assistant superintendent in September -- and a high school principal. She also will play an important administrative role in the $24 million high school building project and teacher-contract negotiations, Piccirilli said.