POLSON — In a special board meeting last Thursday, the Polson School District Board of Trustees approved Tom DiGiallonardo to serve as interim principal for Polson Middle School grades 5 through 8 for the next year.

DiGiallonardo has been the principal of PMS grades 5 and 6 for several years, Polson School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Reksten said, adding it was an idea that DiGiallonardo proposed to the board to fill the slot.

Reksten said the reason for combining the positions for the upcoming school year was because it was too late to find a qualified candidate to fill the seventh- and eighth-grade principal opening. Reksten said most principals have already signed contracts for the school year.

The school district is now looking for an interim assistant principal from within the district to help Giallonardo with the responsibilities as principal. The position would be a one-year appointment, much like the other position, while the administration searches for an applicant to fill the permanent position.

Interviews for the interim assistant principal will be held next Tuesday, Reksten said. Any qualified candidate in the school district is encouraged to apply, she said. The interviews will take place in front of a panel of PMS and district office staff.

Reksten said the uncommon two-principal setup was already in place when she took her post as superintendent. Though the situation is strange and complicated, Reksten said this is an easier fix and it will give administrative experience to someone within the district.

“I believe it was a good solution for one year,” she said.