Jim Thorpe Area School District has hired a new superintendent, meaning they will not renew Dr, Brian Gasper’s contract when it expires in June.

The school board voted unanimously at a special meeting Monday night to hire John Rushefski as its new superintendent, effective July 1.

Rushefski has been superintendent at Old Forge School District since 2014.

Rushefski has a three-year contract with Jim Thorpe Area School District and his starting salary will be $132,000.

Board President Pearl Downs-Sheckler said Rushefski’s experience made him the most qualified candidate for the job.

“He has the experience, he has the personality, I think he’s going to be a good fit,” she said.

Rushefski has experience as a superintendent and principal at both the high school and elementary school level.

Prior to serving as superintendent at Old Forge, Rushefski served seven years as principal of the former Chestnuthill Elementary in the Pleasant Valley School District, and also served as high school principal in Lackawanna Trail School District. Rushefski hasn’t completed a doctoral program but he plans to once he is settled in at Jim Thorpe.