MECCA — Kevin O’Connell, now the superintendent for McDonald schools, has been selected to lead the Maplewood schools as their new superintendent.

The Maplewood Board of Education on Wednesday approved a three-year contract for O’Connell at $117,500.

The contract is effective Aug. 1 through July 31, 2028.

Maplewood schools are familiar to O’Connell as he previously served as principal at Maplewood Elementary School in Greene.

“I am humbled and honored to come back here. I spent eight years in Maplewood as the elementary principal. I am excited to see many of my former colleagues and to get to know the new people,” O’Connell said.

Board President Kevin Blair said O’Connell was selected from seven applicants.

Blair said O’Connell was selected for his experience as a superintendent in McDonald schools and also his history and familiarity working in Maplewood.

O’Connell will replace Perry Nicholas, who is retiring July 31.

O’Connell started his career as an elementary teacher in McDonald, then became a principal in Maplewood, then superintendent in McDonald for eight years.

“Maplewood to me is a lot like home. I am honored to have this opportunity to come back here and look forward to a new challenge,” O’Connell said.

He said he will submit his resignation to the McDonald board next week and will work with them to find his replacement.

Nicholas, who has 42 years in the education field, has served as Maplewood superintendent for 19 years after working for LaBrae schools for 18 years and also Pymatuning Valley schools.

In other business, the board:

l Heard from Nicholas that prices are being reviewed for improvements to sidewalks in front of the high school and middle school with plans to begin work before the end of the school year.

l Approved Barb’s Garage Co. for a vehicle maintenance contract to provide routine maintenance and repairs for the district’s bus fleet and van.

l Recognized the high school girls’ basketball team and their coach Stephane Pykare for the 14-0 record in the Northeastern Athletic Conference and also winning the sectional championship and advancing to the district championship, where they were runners-up.

l Announced the Parent Teacher Organization will sponsor a planetarium program at the elementary school for Right to Read Week.