Directors voted unanimously to hire Dr. DeBonis, the district's supervisor of curriculum and instruction. Her four-year contract has not been negotiated but she will start July 1. Her current salary is $78,768.

Dr. DeBonis, 52, of Hermitage, will replace Superintendent Richard A. Rossi. The board voted last November not to renew Rossi's contract. Though some directors didn't comment on the decision not to renew the contract, others said they based their decision on evaluations and what was in the best interest of the district. Rossi was with the district for 5 years.

Dr. DeBonis said she has been with the district for 13 years. She began as a technology education specialist before she became supervisor of curriculum and instruction about 10 years ago. During her time in Sharon she said she has served once as acting superintendent and once as substitute superintendent.

Though it's too early to have major changes in mind, Dr. DeBonis said the district is in the process of creating a multi-year, strategic plan to improve academics, curriculum and instruction and community relations. She said the plan is a major project.

Dr. DeBonis said she is looking forward to working with a "wonderful staff" to provide a quality education for the students.