Starting Monday, the Osceola County School District will be under new leadership.

The Osceola County School Board appointed an interim superintendent at a special meeting Monday after voting 4-1 to allow Superintendent Terry Andrews to retire in two weeks. Melba Luciano, assistant superintendent of elementary curriculum and instruction, was tapped for the post. Luciano, a 27-year veteran of the School District, wrote a letter of intent to the School Board June 30 announcing her interest in taking over the position. We praise Luciano for having the fortitude to throw her hat in the ring after the School Board’s recent record with superintendents. Two gone in two years, and neither left on the best of terms.

We just hope that this will be a better marriage. Because we believe this goes higher than just the school system.

We believe that all five School Board members want what is best for the students in Osceola County. But looking at the bigger picture, we believe the recent problems between the School Board members and the superintendents can have a negative affect on economic development. With Osceola County trying to lure new industry to create more jobs, it’s a no-brainer that corporations factor in the school systems when deciding to relocate. We believe most businesses want what’s best for their employees and that includes a good education for their children. The School Board’s clumsy attempt to fire Andrews last month didn’t make a positive impression on anyone and we think it reflected badly on the district.

Andrews was granted early retirement after he announced June 21 his desire to leave the position Oct. 31, after the June 19 School Board meeting where Chairwoman Barbara Horn motioned for his termination due to alleged breach of contract and member Cindy Hartig’s 45-minute presentation of evidence of his alleged wrongdoings.

Last year, former superintendent Michael A. Grego resigned and was voted out by the board seven weeks early. And factor in the public bickering between board members. Can that affect a company’s decision on whether they want to do business in Osceola County? Unfortunately, we believe so.

According to the terms, Luciano will be superintendent for at least six months, earning equal to Andrews’ current salary in the position, with the option of a month-to-month contract, should it be needed. This will ensure the board has time to conduct a superintendent search after new School Board members take office in November after the August primary.

Additionally, Luciano’s contract will include the caveat that guarantees that she be offered a position equal to or higher than the assistant superintendent position she currently holds should she not become the superintendent permanently.

We wish Luciano the best of luck in her new endeavor and we hope she and the School Board will have a productive partnership.