(KMZA)--A new superintendent has been hired for Marysville Public Schools.

The USD 364 Board of Education has announced that Michael Couch has accepted the board's offer to join the district on July 1.

Couch was among four finalists interviewed last week.

He has served as superintendent of Republic County Schools in Belleville the past 7 years. Couch has more than 30 years of educational experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

Marysville School Board President Pam Dankenbring said Couch's skillset directly matches the characteristics desired by the community of positional experience, budgetary experience and committed leadership.

He will replace Denise Guy who is serving as interim superintendent this school year.