(KNZA)--Holton USD 336 has announced it is pausing its search for a permanent Holton High School principal until later this year.

District officials say the decision comes because May is late in the administrative hiring season, and waiting until fall will allow access to a stronger pool of candidates.

The district also says the pause will give staff time to strengthen collaboration between Holton Middle School and Holton High School and support long-term planning for grades six through twelve.

For the 2026–2027 school year, Michael Kimberlin will serve as Interim 6–12 Principal, and Aaron Poston will serve as Interim 6–12 Assistant Principal. Both will support students and staff across both buildings, with Kimberlin primarily based at the high school and Poston at the middle school.

The district plans to restart the search for a permanent principal around November 2026, aligning with the peak hiring season.

Once a permanent principal is selected, Kimberlin will return full-time to his role at Holton Middle School.