A familiar face will take the helm of Woodward Middle School when WMS Principal Mike Florian retires at the end of the school year.

The Bainbridge Island School District announced Wednesday that Jeff Hale, the school’s assistant principal, will take the school’s reins on July 1.

Hale has been the assistant principal at WMS for the past two years.

“Becoming the new principal of Woodward Middle School is a great honor and privilege,” Hale said. “I am committed to continuing to collaborate with Woodward’s excellent staff on the focus of powerful teaching and learning.”

“I am confident Jeff will lead Woodward with passion and creativity,” said District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen.

“He’s been an outstanding associate principal, and we are excited to see the great things he accomplishes in his new role,” Bang-Knudsen said.

District officials were impressed with the pool of candidates that applied for the principal position, but at the end of the day, Hale rose to the top, they said.

“The interview team was impressed with Jeff’s strong educational background and his vision for ensuring that all students thrive at Woodward and beyond,” Bang-Knudsen said.

Hale holds a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Puget Sound and received his principal certification from Western Washington University. He lives on Bainbridge Island with his wife and their two children.

The Bainbridge Island School Board is expected to confirm Hale to the post at the board’s meeting March 30.