(KNZA)--A new Troy Middle School/High School principal has been hired.

USD 429 has announced that Jeremy Prudden has been hired for the position.

Prudden has been a teacher at Troy High School for the past 15 years. He has taught English and social studies. Prudden has also served as a coach.

The school district, in a release, said Prudden is well respected by his peers and students, having been selected Master Teacher of the Year twice during his tenure in the USD 429 district as well as Teacher of Influence.

Prudden earned his undergraduate teaching degree from Missouri Western State University and his Masters of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.

He will replace current principal Micheal Estes, who is retiring at the end of the current school year. Prudden will begin his new duties on August 1st.