BURLINGTON — Speaking on the telephone this morning on his appointment as new Burlington school superintendent, Dr. Eric Conti said, "I'm excited, honored, and thrilled. This is like a coming home for me, I have ties to your area."

Conti, who said he grew up in Arlington, was appointed by the School Committee by a 4-0 vote Tuesday night (John Vanella, who was absent, supports the choice). He is currently assistant superintendent in the Culpeper (Va.) County School District.

The board is currently drawing up contract terms for Conti, who will start in Burlington July 1. He said he would return to Burlington at the end of the month and will likely attend the March 25 School Committee meeting.

"I'm also a little bit anxious, a little overwhelmed," Conti said. "I've got to move ... A lot of things are going on."

Before Culpeper, Conti was assistant-acting superintendent in the Manchester-Essex Regional School District in Massachusetts. Additionally, he said, his father taught in the Wayland school system.

While he is familiar with the commonwealth, Conti said breeding familiarity is still his initial top goal; he previously said his first 90 days as superintendent would be "an extension" of his job interview.

"Getting to know the people is the first thing I have to do, because schools are people-driven organizations," Conti said this morning. "I need to get to know what is up there, get to know the people, in order to understand the course (Burlington is) on."

Conti said he will bring "a lot of experience and expertise" as Burlington superintendent, and that he will use that to help boost overall student achievement.

"Public schools make up one of the healthiest parts of the fabric of any community," Conti added.

"I'm already following in the steps of a great legacy," Conti continued. "Jim (Picone, interim superintendent) has done a great job, and Katie (Spinos, who passed away last August) left an impact during her short tenure."