(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education will not change when they elect Board officers.

Following a lengthy discussion Monday evening during their regular meeting, Superintendent Lonnie Moser says the Board decided it was more of a benefit to keep the election of the board president and vice-president in July instead of moving it to January.

The discussion was brought about due to the Kansas Legislature’s decision to move school board elections from April to November. With the change, newly elected school board members will now take office in January.

Following an executive session, the Board approved a one-year extension to Moser’s current two-year contract, which means his contract will run through the 2019-20 school year.  Moser is in his first school year as superintendent of USD 415.

In other action, the Board accepted the resignation of 2nd grade teacher Leslie Wheeler, effective at the end of the current school year. Also accepted was the resignation of Kathy Lindstrom as middle school volleyball coach.

Moser informed the Board that plans are to interview up to four finalists for the high school principal position January 22nd. Early next week is the deadline for applications.

Board members Tom Simmer and John Wright will serve on the interview committee.

Moser says plans are to make a recommendation to the Board by their February meeting on the hiring of a new high school principal.

The position came open following the resignation of Andrew Gaddis at the end of last school year. Alan Jeffery is serving as interim principal this school year.

Moser also said finalists for the middle school principal position are tentatively scheduled to be interviewed February 2nd, with a recommendation to made to the Board by their March meeting.

Current Middle School Principal David Coufal is retiring at the end of the current school year.