ATHOL, MA — Pending negotiations, Steven Meyer will be the new superintendent of the Athol-Royalston Regional School District.

Athol Selectman and Athol-Royalston School Committee member Mitchell Grosky said that Meyer will take over the job in the coming school year, pending successful contract negotiations.

“I think that bodes well for the future of the schools here in Athol and Royalston,” Grosky said of Meyer’s appointment.

Currently assistant superintendent and director of educational services for the district, Meyer is set to replace outgoing superintendent of 11 years Anthony Polito.

Meyer said he is to begin July 1, when Polito retires. This is his third year in the district, with one year as assistant superintendent and two as high school principal. Meyer expressed optimism that the work being done at the elementary level will end the district’s school choice woes and free it from the state’s Level 4 ranking.