Polson High School interim Principal Peter Hamilton will have the same duties for the 2019-20 school year, but a slightly different title.

Hamilton was approved for the permanent position as principal at the March board meeting, according to Superintendent Rex Weltz.

Weltz said Hamilton was hired just before the start of the current school year, but it was an “interim” assignment since the district had just two applicants for the position vacated by high school Scott Wilson.

“I was real adamant about reposting the position,” Weltz said. “The window to hire principals is in the spring.”

This time, there were 18 applicants and the candidates were pared down to two. The No. 1 applicant accepted a position in the Missoula County public school system, and Hamilton was the No. 2 choice. Weltz approved, and Hamilton became the permanent principal.

“The students and parents are really happy with him,” Weltz said. “There are things that he is learning that work well, and some things he will want to do different. Peter wants to strengthen his relationship with people … The kids really respect him. He’s putting in the effort.”