SAN MARCOS --- Kevin Holt, who has been serving as San Marcos Unified's interim superintendent for the last five months, was chosen unanimously by the board of trustees Tuesday as the district's permanent leader.

Following a special closed session meeting that lasted for about two hours, trustees announced their vote to appoint Holt to the position, which was vacated when former Superintendent Ed Brand resigned in August.

"We are thrilled and delighted to be offering Kevin Holt the superintendent's job," said board president Mary Borevitz. "We look forward to a long and successful career together."

Borevitz said officials will finalize Holt's contract at a special meeting Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. at the North County Regional Education Center, 255 Pico Avenue.

Both Holt and trustees are expected to sign and announce the contract's details at that meeting, Borevitz said.

Board member Pam Bancells said no other candidates were interviewed for the position and no outside search was conducted.

Holt, 49, was not present for the announcement because he is attending a superintendent's conference in Monterey, officials said.

However, in a telephone interview following the vote, Holt said he was "very excited."

"I'm completely elated and honored," said Holt. "I really feel they made the right decision."

Holt said he will be making an official statement to the public at the Feb. 1 meeting.

His immediate plans, he said, are to focus on community partnerships and working to get to know more of the district's staff.

Holt was appointed interim superintendent on Aug. 30, the same day Brand's voluntary resignation was approved by the board with a split 3-2 vote.

Trustees at that time voted 4-1 to employ Holt as interim until June 30 and pay him a $185,000 salary to do so.

Holt worked as assistant superintendent of human resources for the district for the past three years. His former salary was $143,200 with a $500 monthly stipend.

Holt is expected to earn his doctoral degree in educational leadership at UC San Diego this December.

After incumbent Sharon Jenkins and newcomer Beckie Garrett were elected in November to fill two school board seats, board members vowed to move forward after the abrupt resignation of Brand which divided the community and fueled a heated campaign.

Trustees said the first thing on their agenda was to appoint a permanent leader and close the growing divide that followed Brand's resignation.

Since November the new board met for six closed session meetings to discuss "matters pertaining to public employment/appointment," specifically for the superintendent position, according to district records.

- Contact staff writer Brenda Duran at (760) 761-4408 or bduran@nctimes.com.