The Pullman School District Board of Directors approved the appointment of the current Moscow Middle School assistant principal, a WSU graduate, as the first principal of Kamiak Elementary at its meeting on Wednesday.

The soon-to-be principal, Evan Hecker, was selected out of three finalists and will start his new position in July. Until the school is up and running, Hecker will assist significantly in the planning, construction, hiring and opening process, according to a news release.

Hecker was selected via a process that involved a written application, a presentation to the interview committee and forums including staff and the public, according to the release.

Hecker has held the position of assistant principal at Moscow Middle School for the last three years and taught English at Moscow High School before that, according to the release. He graduated from WSU and has a master’s degree in educational leadership from UI.

Reporting by Dennis Farrell