Atlanta Public Schools hires new superintendent

ATLANTA - The Atlanta school board has unanimously approved Meria Carstarphen to serve as the district's next superintendent.

Carstarphen, a native of Selma, Alabama, was announced as the sole finalist for the position in late March. She previously served as superintendent of the Austin Independent School District.

The term for Interim Superintendent, Erroll Davis, is expected to expire June 30.

Carstarphen's annual salary will be $375,000.

Carstarphen is taking the helm of the school district while several former educators - including the district's former superintendent - are being prosecuted for their alleged involvement in a standardized test cheating and racketeering conspiracy.