The School Committee on Monday approved the appointment of Norma Cole, currently the principal at Stone Hill Elementary School, as the district’s next assistant superintendent.

Current Assistant Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse, who will succeed Dr. Judith Lundsten as superintendent on July 1, said Cole was chosen from a field of 20 applicants for the position.

“She is very well respected by her peers,” Nota-Masse said of Cole, citing her nearly two decades of experience as a principal.

Lundsten called Cole a “wonderful mentor” and “wonderful coach,” and praised her “strong moral compass.”

Citywide representative Michael Traficante said the committee was seeking an assistant superintendent with “expertise at the elementary level.” He praised Cole for her “very professional attitude.”

Following the vote in favor of the appointment, Cole received an ovation from those gathered for the meeting at Western Hills Middle School.