McHENRY – The next superintendent of McHenry Community High School District 156 was introduced by the school board Tuesday night.

Ryan McTague, 42, will take on the district's highest administrative role in July, succeeding Superintendent Mike Roberts, who is retiring after 22 years with the district.

The school board voted, 6-0, to approve the hire, with member Michael Lovitsch being absent.

Currently serving as the principal of Niles North High School in Skokie, a position he's held for six years, McTague was chosen from a pool of six candidates, board President Steve Bellmore said.

"The District 156 School Board, after an extensive search with the firm of B.W.P, are excited that we have chosen a superintendent that we feel fits the vision of our district," Bellmore said in a statement. "Dr. Ryan McTague brings the type of experience and passion that we were looking for.

"We know the community will embrace Dr. McTague as the new superintendent."

According to the statement, McTague led a realignment of curriculum, created a global intervention support system, increased Advanced Placement courses, and managed multiple facility improvements and construction projects during his tenure as principal.

He will come into District 156 with a three-year contract and a starting salary of $175,000, Bellmore said, adding it is a "incentive-based contract."

Before serving as principal at the Skokie school, McTague served in a number of administrative roles at Niles West High School.

He began his career in education in 1999 as a teacher at Harlan Community Academy in Chicago. From there, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves as an intelligence analyst in the 17th psychological operations battalion.

McTague earned his Ph.D. in administration and supervision from Loyola University in Chicago, a master's in secondary education from Chicago's Roosevelt University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

"I'm excited to join the Warrior family," McTague said. "Nothing is more important to the success of our district than continuing to build a strong school community.

"I plan to engage all of our stakeholders collaboratively to ensure our students will have every option and opportunity after they graduate."

McTague and his wife, Justine, live with their three sons in Hoffman Estates.