Manheim Central school board approved the hiring of a new leader and members of a new leadership team Tuesday.

The board unanimously approved the hiring of William Clark as the new superintendent to succeed Carol Saylor who retired last month.

The board also approved the hiring of Elizabeth Massar as the assistant superintendent and the hiring of two elementary school principals.

"I think we are all very happy with this selection," Brian Sauder, board president, said. "We are looking forward to this talent."

Clark was selected over two other finalists for the top job at the district. He takes over as superintendent on Jan. 25 at a salary of $140,000. For the past six years, he led the Milton Area School District as superintendent. His salary in Milton is $113,190.

"The leadership team is in place. Things are happening very well in Manheim. I'm not coming in to shake things up," Clark said.

Milton and Manheim Central school districts are similar in size, but the budgets are quite different. Clark's move takes him from a $26 million budget in Milton to a $42 million budget at Manheim Central.

Prior to working in Milton, Clark held administrative positions in St. Mary's School District in Elk County. The positions included assistant superintendent, high school principal, tech-prep principal and assistant principal. Clark holds a bachelor of science degree and doctor of education degree from Pennsylvania State University. He earned a Master of Education degree from Shippensburg University.

After the meeting, Clark said he plans to meet with groups including teachers, parents, community leaders and board members to help develop a plan for the district that he will present to the board.

Manheim Central "is ripe for change and opportunity to move forward," he said. "It's ripe for continued forward movement."

One of Clark's concerns is the location of the district office in the former middle school. The site requires him to walk or drive to reach any of the classrooms.

"I like to be student centered, and the district office is detached," Clark said.

In addition to welcoming Clark, the district will enroll two of his children to classes, as early as January.

Clark said he was able to participate in the final selection of the leadership team approved on Tuesday.

Most of the administrators who left the district have been replaced, but the district is expected to hire another principal next month.

Massar is replacing Scott Deisley, who resigned. She begins her term Jan. 4 at a salary of $107,112.14. Massar serves as director of curriculum and instruction with the Hermitage School District.

Kate Dwinal will take over as principal of H.C. Burgard Elementary School, replacing Jim Hale who resigned. She begins her position on Jan. 25 at a salary of $82,996.10. Dwinal is the elementary school principal at Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School.

Wendy Hancock will serve as the assistant principal of Stiegel Elementary School, replacing Jacy Hess who resigned. She begins her assignment Jan. 4 at a salary of $85,259.63. Hancock is an assistant principal at East High Street Elementary School in Elizabethtown Area School District.

In the past year, Manheim Central saw a 60 percent loss of administrators.