The Whitefish School Board last week named Josh Branstetter the new principal at the middle school.

Branstetter previously split his time as assistant principal at both the middle school and Muldown Elementary. Former middle school principal Kerry Drown earlier this month was selected to fill the vacant high school principal job, thus creating the opening at the middle school.

The interview committee met with Branstetter and recommended him for the job, according to board chair Pat Jarvi.

“They were pleased with his enthusiasm for the job and were impressed with his ability,” she said. “He will continue the good work that’s already taking place at the middle school and bring us forward with new strategies for the future. We’re confident that Josh will continue to be a great leader for the middle school in this new position.”

Branstetter, formerly a fifth-grade teacher at the middle school, took over as assistant principal at the middle school in 2009.

Jarvi said the school district is now taking applications for the assistant principal post for the middle school and Muldown Elementary.