(KNZA)-- A new Troy 7-12th grade principal and activities director has been hired.

According to a news release on the Troy USD 429 web site, the Board of Education during a recent special meeting approved a two-year contract for Josh Hevel to fill the position.

Hevel is currently a high school social studies teacher at Central Heights High School, south of Ottawa.  He also is an assistant high school football and boys basketball coach.

The release says Hevel has served on a number of school improvement committees while at Central Heights and helped implement a 1-1 iPad initiative at the 3A school.

Hevel, a native of Waverly, comes from an education family as both his mother and father were long-time teachers at Waverly.

Hevel replaces interim principal Don Cash and will begin his duties on August 1st.
He was selected from among three finalists interviewed.

USD 429 Board President Warren Grable says the district is very fortunate to hire Hevel, adding he will be an active and engaged principal.