Kerry Drown is Whitefish High School’s new principal after a unanimous vote by the school board Tuesday.

Drown replaces Dave Carlson, who resigned in June.

Drown has five years of experience as principal of Whitefish Middle School and has been with the district for 21 years.

This familiarity with the district and the passage of the high school bond request in March were key factors in an interview committee seeking a qualified candidate in the Whitefish School District, according to Pat Jarvi, board chairman and interview committee member.

With the first day of school Aug. 29 and renovation work on the high school looming, it was a priority to fill the principal position, Jarvi said. The seven-member interview committee included board members and administrators.

Drown was the only candidate to apply before a recommendation for the position was made.

The district is seeking candidates internally to replace Drown at the middle school. If no qualified candidates are found, the district will advertise the position more widely.

Superintendent Kate Orozco did not return phone calls asking for comment on Drown’s placement as high school principal.

Placing a new high school principal before the start of the school year may be the fresh start the district needs following Carlson’s resignation, Jarvi said. His resignation has caused some division among staffers, students and community members.

Carlson signed a separation agreement with the district June 22 in return for payment of one year’s salary and a secrecy clause that prohibits him or school staffers from discussing circumstances surrounding the agreement.

He opted to resign after his future as Whitefish High School principal became uncertain.

During a May board meeting, Orozco recommended that his contract not be renewed, but she reversed the recommendation in the face of public pressure. Carlson’s contract was renewed, but he later faced possible reassignment out of the high school.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.