ADAMS TWP — A new face will greet Mars School District’s faculty, staff and youngest students on the first day of school this fall.

The school board Tuesday night voted to appoint Adam Kostewicz as the new principal at the primary center. The school educates students in kindergarten and first grade.

He follows former principal Elizabeth McMahon, who was promoted to the administration office as the district’s first assistant superintendent for elementary education. McMahon was the primary center’s principal since 2005.

Kostewicz comes from the Highlands School District in Tarentum, Allegheny County, where he most recently taught fourth grade language arts and social studies. He previously taught fourth grade math and science, and first grade, at that district.

“I am looking forward to learning, looking forward to leading, and looking forward to continuing in the success of the school,” Kostewicz told the board Tuesday night. “Great things are going on here at (the district), and I’m excited to be a part of it and to bring my own ideas.”

Kostewicz also has a school sports background, having served as a ninth grade basketball head coach and varsity basketball team volunteer assistant coach at Highlands.

He previously was a math coach at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School and a counselor at Summit Academy in Herman.

Kostewicz attended the meeting with his wife, Jessica, who is expecting their first child. The couple lives in the North Hills area.

“We are delighted you are here,” said school board President Dayle Ferguson. “You will be at an absolutely outstanding building with a spectacular staff and some really amazing kids.”

Kostewicz’s salary will be $76,580.