POST FALLS - Brad Harmon calls it the "perfect storm."

The principal job at New Vision Alternative High School came open, and Harmon, who recently received his master's degree, was looking for an administration position, preferably one that would allow him to stay in Post Falls.

It all lined up as Harmon has been hired to replace Chris Sensel as the New Vision principal.

"Everything fell into place," Harmon said. "I grew up in Post Falls and didn't want to move."

Harmon has taught all of the grades at River City Middle School since it opened six years ago. Prior to that, he taught a year at Post Falls Middle School and two years at Athol Elementary.

Sensel, who was the New Vision principal for four years and taught there for 10 years before that, has been tapped as the assistant principal at Post Falls High. He replaces Carol Carlson, who was with the district for 33 years.

Harmon said he's looking forward to the small, tight-knit feel at New Vision, which had 120 students and nine staff members this past year.

"I love the programs they have in place and I look forward to working with an experienced staff," Harmon said. "The kids who are there want to be there and the staff works together for the same goal."

Harmon graduated from Post Falls High in 1996 before receiving a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Idaho in 2001. He received his master's from the University of Phoenix. Harmon's parents, Larry and Page, both taught in Post Falls before retiring.

"Brad's leadership style will be a good fit at New Vision," said Superintendent Jerry Keane, adding that a teacher will be hired at River City to replace Harmon.

Sensel said that, after 14 years at New Vision, he's ready for another challenge.

"I really enjoyed New Vision," said Sensel, adding that he continued to teach after becoming the principal. "When you work with a small team like that, you develop close friends."

Post Falls High had about 1,500 students and 80 staff members this past year.

"There will be a learning curve with a larger school, but I'm looking forward to doing something different," Sensel said.

Sensel retired after 20 years in the Idaho National Guard in 2007. He spent a year in Iraq.

"Chris did a superior job building the New Vision program," Keane said. "He has proven to be an outstanding leader."