Smith hired as aquatic director

After terminating the contract of Marion-Florence USD 408 aquatic director Rachel Kostner in a July 14 meeting, the board of education found a replacement.

Kostner had been the director for two months.

During a special meeting July 24, the board voted 5-0 in favor of hiring Marion resident Greta Smith to replace Kostner.

Board members Kathy Meierhoff and Sarah Cope were not present.

Smith will oversee the operations at the new aquatic center with an annual salary of $27,000.

She will receive raises based on the levels of certification she receives while holding the position.

Smith worked with the district as a custodian for 11 years until 2007, and has spent the past year at Golden Heritage Foods in Hillsboro.

“I thought I could do without the kids, but I was wrong,” Smith, who approached USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker in January about coming back to work for the district, said. “Lee called me in late July, and it was a no-brainer.”

Her first day will be Friday and the Marion native is excited.

“It’s intriguing, but I have a lot to learn,” Smith said. “I am going to do whatever it takes to make them proud.”