Reynolds school directors hope a former Greenville man will lead the district along a smoother path, hiring Dr. Anthony S. Trosan to fill the vacant superintendent's job.

Trosan, 53, who still lives north of Pittsburgh, was hired at a special board meeting Monday to replace former superintendent Dr. Charles M. Cagno.

Trosan's five-year contract -- approved unanimously by the seven board members present -- officially begins July 31. His salary was set at $84,000 by the directors, with a 3 percent increase annually until his contract expires June 30, 2006. If Trosan serves out the length of the contract, he will make $94,542 in the final year. Directors Maddox Stokes and Tom Wimber were not at the meeting.

He replaces Cagno, who was superintendent for two years before he retired in March following a rocky year with the district.

During that time two administrators and the football coach filed lawsuits alleging violations of the state Whistleblower Act in connection with a special investigation conducted by the state Auditor General.

The investigation resulted in the board suspending Cagno for five days without pay in October as punishment for misusing school vehicles and property.

But Trosan and the board hope to put all that behind them.

Calling Cagno's tenure "past history," Trosan said he intends to take it one day at a time.

"I'm a new person. I'll simply start from day one. For me, it's obviously a new start, and for others it is if they'll see it that way," he said. "I want to emphasize positive development. There's a lot here so we'll go with that."

Board president Bradley W. Stull agreed. "I see a positive direction we're trying to head here. We were looking for someone to fit the needs of the district and I think we met that with him."

Trosan put his vision for the district, which includes emphasizing the basics, community involvement and using tools such as computers and technology wisely, in a nutshell. "The school's here to serve the community by serving the kids."

The school board interviewed approximately 20 candidates over the past three months before choosing Trosan, involving the community and the staff in the process.

"They gave us some points to consider," said Stull. "The board has taken time with the interview process."

The board appointed Reynolds Elementary Principal Barbara Clawson as acting superintendent during the interim at a special meeting July 2. She will continue until Trosan takes over the reins July 31.

Trosan has 30 years experience in teaching and administration. For the past four years, he was superintendent of Avonworth School District in suburban Pittsburgh.

Though his contract there was not renewed, Trosan said it was due to a major change on the school board and change in general, but he had nothing bad to say about the situation or the school district.

Trosan, who once lived in Greenville, said he and his wife Sharon look forward to moving to the area.

"I left when I was five years old," he said, but added that the memory of the area stayed with him. "My wife and I have lived in suburban areas and rural areas. We just know we like rural areas better. They're nicer and quieter," he said.

He and his wife are planning to buy or build a house here in the near future. He'll commute a little over an hour until he gets an apartment in the area while they house-hunt.

"I'm looking forward to working here and to staying here," he said.