BRADFORD, Vt. — The Orange East Supervisory Union Board has tapped the assistant superintendent for Randolph-area schools to replace its outgoing superintendent.

The board for the Bradford-area supervisory union, which includes Oxbow High School, unanimously approved Heather Lawler’s appointment, effective July 1, last week, according to a news release posted to the supervisory union’s website.

“I was impressed with Heather throughout the process,” OESU Board Chairwoman Danielle Corti said in the news release. “Heather has a strong understanding of the importance of balancing time in the buildings with our students, staff, and administrators with time dedicated to larger system management.”

Lawler will replace outgoing Orange East Superintendent Randall Gawel, who earlier this year announced his departure from OESU to take the helm of the Rivendell Interstate School District beginning July 1.

Lawler is currently the assistant superintendent of Orange Southwest School District and previously served as principal of Braintree, Vt., and Reading, Vt., elementary schools, and associate principal at Woodstock Union Middle High School.

“My goal is to lead with transparency, compassion, and a deep commitment to every learner,” Lawler said in the release. “I believe in supporting learning environments where all students feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.”

Lawler was selected out of nine applicants following a process, which included a search committee comprised of central office administration, school-level administration, faculty, and board members that began searching for a new superintendent in February.