During his interview for Frontier Local superintendent, Bruce A. Kidder stressed the importance of getting involved in the community and a desire to stay in the district until retirement.

For a district that is on its fourth superintendent in less than eight years, Kidder's comments helped him stand out, said Frontier board member Jeff Lauer.

"We need some longevity in our district," Lauer said. "Any ideas or any programs a superintendent may want to try generally takes a year or so to get going and a couple (years) before you know how it works. We haven't had someone around long enough to really even be able to judge if they've done a good job or not."

On Saturday, Lauer and the other Frontier Local board members voted 5-0 to approve a three-year contract for Kidder, which includes a $75,000 annual salary.

Kidder replaces Troy Thacker, who resigned earlier this year. Thacker, who had been head of the district since January 2006, told board members he was looking for a position closer to his Vinton County home, from which he commuted weekly.

Contacted Sunday, Kidder plans to be in the area this week to look for a home.

"I think it's important to live in the district," Kidder said. "I may rent for a while, but I will be looking at real estate."

Kidder, who has eight years until he would be eligible to retire, said he hopes to finish his career in Frontier.

"I'm hoping I picked a good fit and we work out," he said. "I'm coming from a small school district - about 540 students, total. Frontier is a little larger, but it's obviously not a large district. I'm more comfortable in a small district. A small district fits my personality better. I have a desire to be involved in the community and that works in smaller districts."

Kidder said he has no immediate plans for change in the district. He noted there is some housekeeping items that will need addressed, including hiring a high school principal and finalizing employee union contracts, which are in negotiations.

Frontier Local Schools includes four schools and about 800 students.