At the end of a meeting that lasted a little more than an hour, the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee appointed a new interim superintendent on Tuesday night. The name is familiar to many; Dr. Ed Mara led the district for six years until his retirement more than a decade ago.

Dr. Mara takes over following the abrupt resignation of the former interim superintendent, Robert Hicks, last week. Mr. Hicks had been serving as interim since the abrupt resignation of superintendent Dr. Jonathan Brice in July.

Emerging from executive session after about 56 minutes, Committee Chairwoman Marjorie McBride made the announcement: “With much fanfare, I present Dr. Ed Mara.” After a quick, unanimous vote, Ms. McBride welcomed Dr. Mara back. “Dr. Mara will be on site tomorrow and as many days as needed until our search is complete,” she said.

“Thank you,” said Dr. Mara. “I look forward to be working with you all.”

Dr. Mara, who came to Bristol Warren after serving as an administrator in the Middletown public school district at the turn of the century, was originally superintendent in this district from 2003 to 2009, before retiring at the end of that year and moving to Florida.

He was succeeded by Melinda Thies, who retired and was replaced by Mario Andrade, who resigned two years ago and was replaced by Dr. Brice.