A longtime education veteran will lead Summerland Public Schools, starting July 1.

Molly Aschoff, assistant administrator at Educational Service Unit #8 in Neligh, accepted the position Thursday, following two days of interviews with three potential candidates.

According to board of education president Steven Thiele, details of Aschoff's contract are still being ironed out.

"Aschoff will make a valuable addition to our district, contributing her expertise and commitment to our students and staff," Thiele said. "We're excited about the fresh perspectives and ideas she will bring and we're confident that she will positively impact our students, staff and community. We look forward to working together to continue providing the best possible education for all our students."

Aschoff has more than 25 years of education, including 15 years in an elementary setting at Valentine Community Schools.

While serving at ESU 8, Aschoff coordinated distance learning and digital learning and served as media specialist, in addition to other roles.

During Tuesday's interview, Aschoff said the district is "a unique situation involving multiple communities."

"It adds a level of awareness, you're not just in one community, you're in multiple," she said. "It's exciting to see the communities come together as Summerland."

As an ESU administrator, Aschoff watched the path the school's formation traveled.

"I've seen the journey it's taken for you guys to get here, It's been a long road. It's been bumpy, all these kinds of things, but it's been so worth it when you look and see what you have here, have going. I can see that you are doing amazing things," the new superintendent said.

Aschoff will transition into the new role by building relationships and getting to know students, staff and community members.

She will work with the board on the district's strategic plan and assist with setting short- and long-term goals.

"You're never done with planning. You always look how can we get better and look at what's next," Aschoff said. "It allows you to dream."

Aschoff will replace current Superintedent Kyle Finke, who submitted his resignation Dec. 13. Finke joined the district in 2020.