DAYTON, Ohio - As teachers demonstrated over the breakdown of contract talks, the new superintendent promised a tireless effort to improve the schools.

        Percy Mack was named superintendent of the city's public schools Tuesday night. He replaces Jerrie Bascome McGill, who is retiring.

        Mr. Mack, 51, came to Dayton as deputy superintendent last September from his native Georgia, where he had spent his 30-year career as a teacher, coach, principal and administrator.

        He and the school board have agreed to a three-year deal with an annual salary of $120,000.

        Mr. Mack told the teachers attending the board meeting that everyone must work together to help students achieve.

        While teachers and their union president, Willie Terrell, expressed support for Mr. Mack, they blamed the board for a lack of progress in contract talks. Mr. Terrell said the sides appear headed for federal mediation after a bleak negotiating session Tuesday.

        The teachers' one-year deal expired June 30, and they are working under a day-to-day extension of that deal.

        “We want to settle,” Mr. Terrell said. “We expected a counter offer today, but that didn't happen.”

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