The contract between Dr. Jerry D. Weast and the Montgomery County Board of Education that will bring Dr. Weast to Montgomery County Public Schools as its new superintendent was finalized on Wednesday, July 14. Dr. Weast signed the contract after he was formally released from his superintendency in North Carolina by the Guilford County Board of Education.

State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick has issued the certification required for approval of the appointment, clearing the way for Dr. Weast to begin work as the next chief executive officer of the school system on Monday, August 2, 1999. His four-year term extends to June 30, 2003.

Dr. Weast informed Montgomery County Board of Education President Reginald M. Felton that the contract had been signed in a phone call early Wednesday evening.

Mr. Felton expressed his pleasure that the final requirements of the contract had been completed.

"The Board of Education wants and expects the very best educational programs for our students, and we are confident that Dr. Weast's leadership will ensure this goal. Members of the Board of Education join me in welcoming Dr. Weast to Montgomery County Public Schools and our community," he said.