Belmont said that Burak handled the interim position well, which was a factor in the board final choice. “I would not have put my support behind her if I had any doubt” [that she would do a good job], he said.

“There’s a formality to her, an assertiveness to her and a corporate angle to her,” he added, “that I think will help continue to move our district forward to help us become an even more competitive [district] and help us to continue to graduate productive, contributing members into society.”

Burak said that the decisions she has made as interim superintendent have been based on the interest of the students — and that she will continue that approach.

“Dr. Burak is a skilled educator and administrator who brings significant experience to the position of superintendent,” said board President Cathy Papandrew. “The Board of Education looks forward to working in partnership with Dr. Burak on behalf of our students.”

Burak said she is looking forward to the new challenge. “You’re humbled with the overwhelming support of the community,” she said, “because every day I wake up, I come to work and simply have the goal of doing the best I [can] do for the district.”

Comments about this story? Write a letter to the editor to Mary Malloy at mmalloy@liherald.com.