Stephen Strasser, Avonworth's coordinator of student services, will be retiring in June. At its meeting on Monday, the Avonworth School Board voted to approve the hiring of his successor, Jessica Taylor, at a salary of $72,500.

Taylor will begin her work as the director of student services on July 1, 2011.

In honor of his 33 years of service to the district, superintendent Dr. Valerie McDonald and other staff members nominated Strasser for the Scott E Folmer Student, Teacher and Exemplary Practice or Partnering (STEPP) award, which honors the individual who provides the most outstanding services in support of children receiving special education.