(STURGIS) – A familiar face has accepted a new position with the Sturgis Public Schools.

During Monday's meeting, the Sturgis Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Nick Herblet to become the new Sturgis High School Principal. Herblet will take over for Ron Ehlers who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

Prior to coming to Sturgis, Herblet was a teacher for 9 years at Grant High School. He also served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Lakeview Community Schools and at Ithaca Public Schools.

Since coming to Sturgis, Herblet has been the High School Assistant Principal and the Principal at Congress and Wenzel Elementary Schools.

Herblet says he's enjoyed his time at Congress and Wenzel, and that experience will help him at the High School. He says he was up against some great candidates for the position.

Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert shared with the Board of Education that 27 individuals applied for the position. The selection process included an application screen, phone interview, first round interview, a job related performance task, reference checks and a second round interview.

Herblet will begin his new duties July 1. That means the School District will now have to fill his position at Congress and Wenzel Elementary Schools. The posting is open until May 31. First round interviews are scheduled for June 4, second round interviews June 7 and it's hoped a recommendation will be made to the Board of Education on June 10.