Brooke High School will have a new head principal when the school year begins.

The Brooke County Board of Education has approved the hiring of Eric James, who has served as a principal, teacher and coach during his 27 years in education.

James currently is principal of River Elementary School in Hannibal, Ohio. Under his leadership, the school received the Ohio State Board of Education’s Momentum Award, given to schools with outstanding student growth, in 2019.

James also worked as a teacher in Cameron for many years and as a coach in football, wrestling and baseball.

Jeffrey Crook, Brooke County superintendent of schools, said James came with outstanding references from his present school district, where he “is very well thought of, respected.”

James fills a vacancy left by Michael Lewis, who resigned recently to return to the position of director of Bruin Bridge, the school district’s alternative learning center.

As head of the alternative learning center, established for teens who don’t function well in traditional classrooms, Lewis led efforts to engage its students in work-related skills.

Crook said of Lewis, “He’s phenomenal, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Hiring of the principal was among several personnel matters before the board at the special meeting.

Another was a request to the West Virginia Department of Education for more flexible requirements of substitute teachers for areas of critical need.

Corey Murphy, deputy superintendent, said the primary goal is to employ retired teachers in such areas as career technical education, which offers courses designed to prepare students for various fields.

Crook said later that state pensions received by retired teachers currently limit the number of hours they may work.

In recent years, to address a shortage of substitute teachers, the school district has altered qualifications to include a bachelor’s degree, not limited to a teacher education program, and the completion of courses through the state Department of Education as well as a criminal background check and later, continuing education credits required of full-time staff.