JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Education leaders in Johnson City welcomed the incoming superintendent for the school system as she and the Board of Education worked out the final details of her contract Monday.

Erin Slater is currently the Fort Madison Community School District superintendent in Iowa. She was met with applause at Monday night’s board of education meeting.

While her official starting date is a few months away, Slater is already getting prepared for the new position. Slater previously told News Channel 11 that there are similarities between Johnson City Schools and the Iowa school district she has worked in for nine years, including school vouchers, which were passed by the state earlier this year.

According to contract documents, Slater’s term is valid from July 1 until June 30, 2029. The board must take action on the renewal of her contract on or before Dec. 31, 2028. Slater must live within Johnson City school limits but is allowed one year to relocate while working her duties. The board will pay $5,000 toward Slater’s moving expenses.

According to the contract, Slater will be paid an annual salary of $189,800 and will “annually receive the same type of pay raise, cost of living increase or salary supplement as is made to other certified employees of Johnson City Schools.”

Chairman of the Johnson City Board of Education Jonathan Kinnick said Monday that Slater brought her family into town over the weekend to introduce them to Johnson City.

“It was really nice,” he said. “It was not a requirement. She wanted to come, and she specifically scheduled it to be here for tonight, which is very nice. So we’ll be able to sign the contract, it’s printing off right now, and know that we’re all good to go for July 1 when she starts.”

Kinnick told News Channel 11 that he was able to set up an informal dinner among Slater and Johnson City commissioners to facilitate an early introduction to city leaders, as well.