Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Randall Booker has been announced as the new superintendent of the Piedmont Unified School District, effective July 1.

The appointment will follow the departure of standing Superintendent Constance Hubbard, who will be retiring from her position at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

The Board of Education unanimously approved Booker as the up and coming superintendent at tonight’s school board meeting.

Suggestions from over 400 students, parents, educators, administrators and community members blueprinted the qualities desired in the new superintendent. The Board of Education sought to find a candidate with personal and professional qualities that would fit and enhance the Piedmont school district.

Booker was chosen from an applicant pool of 45 superintendent candidates, seven of whom were interviewed and three of whom became finalists.

“Randy has all the characteristics that we have been talking about and he has the experience of being in Piedmont,” board member Doug Ireland said. “The combination of those two things made it very clear that he was the best choice.”

Leading up to his official instatement as superintendent, Booker will be working with the administration to develop a transition plan.

“I am so appreciative,” Booker said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to lead. I see it as a privilege; it’s something to be earned. I’m very excited for it.”