Ephrata Area School District did not have far to look in their search for a new leader following the announcement that superintendent Gerald Rosati would retire at the end of the current school year.

Brian Troop, currently the district's assistant superintendent, was unanimously appointed by the board Monday as the district's next superintendent.

Both Rosati's retirement and Troop's appointment were announced in the district's consent agenda last night under personnel matters.

Board President Timothy Stayer said Troop would assume the superintendent position at the end of the school year after Rosati's departure.

"When we first learned of ... Rosati's retirement, we were all saddened to know that he was going to be leaving the district at the end of the school year," Stayer said in an email Tuesday.

"(He) has brought the district a far distance from the late '90s and early 2000s. Student and district performance have increased and are above the state average."

He said Rosati, who joined the district in 1998 and became superintendent in 2002, is very student-focused and leads accordingly, and "has made a positive impact on our district and community."

"We knew we'd be losing a great person and leader. But we also know he's been in the education field for some 30-plus years now. His dedication to and leadership of the district have made the EASD as great as it is," Stayer said.

"While we are sad to see him leave, we are also wishing him well on the new endeavors he plans to pursue."

In a statement, Rosati had this to say about his time at EASD:

"This is a terrific place to work with wonderful people. The caring, dedicated staff is focused on student achievement and success. Many good things have happened over the years and a lot has been accomplished because people work together. My colleagues/fellow administrators are student-focused leaders, dedicated and caring."

He said he is confindent that Troop "will carry on the District goals, focus on student success, and be a caring and effective leader for students and staff."

Stayer said the district did not hesitate to offer the position to Troop.

"It is always great to be able to promote from within," and Troop is also student-focused and has the support and resources "of a great district administrative team," he said.

"I am proud to be a part of this district and humbled to be selected as its next superintendent," Troop said of his appointment.

"Following (Rosati) in this role is a great honor. I feel fortunate to take the reins of a district headed in the right direction on so many fronts.

"It will be my intent to continue the progress we have made in our instructional programs and maintain our sound management of resources so that the students of this district will be inspired to reach their full potential."

Troop brings a wealth of experience to his newfound position.

Ephrata Area offered Troop the assistant superintendent position in December 2010 after the resignation of Robin Felty, who left the district in August 2010 to take a position in the Warwick School District.

Troop was serving as program director for the Lancaster-Lebanon IU-13 before he officially became the assistant superintendent in January 2011.

Stayer said since that time, Troop has "quickly assimilated into and understands the operations of the district."