Former Taft education adviser named new state schools superintendent

The State Board of Education today hired Paolo DeMaria, an education consultant and adviser to former Gov. Bob Taft, as Ohio's new superintendent of public instruction. The board backed DeMaria by a vote of 19-0 after he emerged from a field of seven finalists interviewed by the board over the last two days. DeMaria will replace Richard A. Ross who retired Dec. 31 after nearly three years on the job. A salary was not announced, but the post will pay up to $250,000 a year.