McDONALD — The McDonald Board of Education at a special meeting Monday named high school principal Gary Carkido as the district’s new superintendent effective Aug. 1.

Carkido was granted a two-year contract through July 31, 2027. He will be paid $109,000 the first year of the contract and $112,270 the second year.

Carkido was selected from 11 applicants and will replace Kevin O’Connell, who is leaving the district to become superintendent for Maplewood schools effective Aug. 1. Carkido has served the McDonald district for 27 years, with the past 17 as principal of McDonald High School and before that 10 years as a high school math teacher. He also taught math for three years with Berea City Schools before coming to McDonald.

Board members said Carkido brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success.

“Mr. Carkido’s leadership and dedication have had a lasting impact on our students and staff. His long-standing connection to the McDonald community and his proven ability to lead make him the right choice to guide our district forward,” Board President Jody Klase said.

Klase said she was thrilled to name Carkido as the new superintendent, noting the board received many letters of support from staff at the high school

“We heard of your positive leadership and impact you have had on the staff. I truly believe you will lead the district for the next generation. You have shown pride, excellence and tradition,” Klase said.

Cardio said, “I’m honored and humbled to continue serving the McDonald Local Schools in this new capacity. This district is home, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to continue to build on the strong tradition of excellence that defines McDonald.”

Carkido said he looks forward to the challenges as school superintendent.

“Being in the principal position for 17 years I am ready for something a little bit different. I’m really excited to get started,” Carkido said.

In other business, the board approved a three-year agreement with the McDonald Education Association that includes a 3% pay increase per year over the length of the contract for the 52 teachers who are members of the union. MEA President Samantha Rozzo said the teachers’ union ratified the agreement last week. The new agreement is effective Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2028.