Former Ellis Elementary School leader Donna Roark is getting a promotion.

Supt. Dan Applegate announced at Monday’s regular school board meeting that Roark has been appointed to the position of assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and personnel.

For the past 2 1/2 years, Roark has been an assistant principal at Howard-Ellis Elementary where she in charge of the Ellis building.

“Niles Community Schools is fortunate to have an outstanding team of administrators and teachers and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them in my new role so that we can ensure our students maximize their intellectual potential,” she said.

Applegate said the plan is for Roark to start July 15.

“I had a meeting with her today (Monday) and she couldn’t stop talking about plans for this and plans for that,” Applegate said. “I am excited and her enthusiasm is contagious.”

Roark’s position, Applegate said, was created as part of a reorganization of central office staff in order to increase efficiency and cut costs. It combines two administrative positions into one without decreasing support to the district’s students.

“Donna is a valuable asset to Niles Community Schools,” said Applegate. “Her experience in school improvement planning and implementation of policies and procedures will most certainly benefit the students and families within our community, as well as our staff.”

Also Monday, the school board:

• Approved a resolution for the sale of approximately $40 million in bonds approved by voters earlier this year. Board member Jon Martin said the move would allow the district’s financial consultant to watch the market and determine when and how is the best time to sell the bonds in order to get the district the best interest rate and ultimately save taxpayers the most money.

• Approved the handbook for Niles High School and Niles High School Athletics.

• Set a special meeting for July 22 at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve for the purpose of a board workshop.

• Approved a $25,000 gift from the Wood Foundation to be used for the New Tech program’s four year support fee.