MOSES LAKE — Jake Long has been named the new Moses Lake High School principal.

Long, who has been serving as the high school’s interim principal since the resignation of Mark Harris last June, was selected from a “deep pool of candidates,” according to a Moses Lake School District press release.

“We want to continue with our successes, with what we are doing well,” Long told the Columbia Basin Herald.

Long said he also hopes to focus on several things he hopes will improve graduation and success rates at MLHS — chronic absenteeism and truancy, and helping freshman better make the transition from middle school to high school.

“That’s a heavy indicator of graduation and failure rates,” he said.

He also said he wants to have more students involved in Advanced Placement classes.

“I am pleased to have Mr. Long earn this position as a long term solution for Moses Lake High School,” said Superintendent Josh Meek in the press release. “Mr. Long accepted the Interim Principal position this past year and has approached it with professionalism and a vision for students.”

“I am confident that Mr. Long will continue to serve as an excellent leader for Moses Lake High School,” Meek added.

According to the district, Long was an MLHS assistant principal from 2011-2017. He also served as the dean of students at MLHS from 2009 to 2011, and was a teacher in the Moses Lake, Arlington, Granite Falls, and Snohomish school districts.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at [email protected]