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MONROE -- Dr. Mary Ellis officially assumed her position as the new superintendent for Union County Public Schools on Monday.

She is taking over the position from the outgoing superintendent Dr. Ed Davis, who retired this past Saturday.

As superintendent, Dr. Ellis will need to address the two main problems that are impacting the school system - an unresolved budget for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year and low teacher morale.

Thousands of recent teacher surveys showed largely negative responses. Many teachers are dissatisfied with their pay, which has not been raised in four years.

Dr. Ellis said that as a former teacher, she understands the complaints, and that she plans on using teacher feedback to make improvements.

“I meet with teachers and I plan on meeting with teachers about four times a year, as we’ve been meeting, with their concerns,” she said, “But I’m interested in hearing what they think we can do different and better.”

Dr. Ellis taught for Union County Schools for 18 years before she moved into administration. She has worked for Union County for 30 years.