THOMAS BRATTEN \ Biography Background on the Salem School District’s new superintendent:

Originally from Cincinnati; now lives in Alliance.

Graduated from Moeller High School, Cincinnati, in 1986.

Earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary English from Miami University (Ohio) and a master’s degree from Xavier University. He later completed his principal’s and superintendent’s licenses from the University of Akron and Ashland University, respectively.

Began his career as an English teacher at Moeller High School, where he earned distinction as high school teacher of the year.

Continued teaching English and coaching football at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Fla., before becoming assistant principal at Marlington Local Schools in 1995.

Joined Canton Local School District in 2000. At Canton South, he performed duties of assistant principal, was director of career-technical education and most recently served as principal.

Wife is Tierney, a teacher at Marlington Local Schools, and they have two children, Adam, 14, and Bo, 3.

Source: Steve Bailey, president, Salem school board