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Adam Lulis, 36, was hired as the new principal of Maple Valley Elementary during a special school board meeting Monday evening.

Lulis, an 8th grade social studies teacher and six-year employee of the district, received a two-year contract with a starting salary of $69,750 plus a $3,000 annuity, said Superintendent Martha Essenmacher.

He was the board's top pick from a list of four finalists interviewed by the personnel committee. The list included Sean Hagey, a sixth grade teacher from Brown City; Dawn Calhoun, a teacher from Saginaw; and Anna Ledford, an elementary teacher from Croswell. There were a total of 30 applicants for the job.

Lulis holds two bachelor's degrees from the University of Michigan, and a master's degree in educational leadership from Saginaw Valley State University.

"I'm very pleased with the personnel committee's recommendation," said Essenmacher. "It is widely supported. We did have two Maple Valley teachers on the interview committee. I think the administrative team and staff welcome Mr. Lulis to this leadership role."

She added, "Mr. Lulis doesn't have all the background in elementary curriculum, but he has a tremendous work ethic and he is a person of highest integrity. He has dedicated himself to this role and we have every confidence in his ability to fulfil every aspect of his job."

"I'm excited to be given the opportunity to work at the elementary school," said Lulis. "I hope we work really hard to achieve a strong community."

The board of education addressed an immediate concern about Lulis being principal of the same school where his wife will be a teacher. Stephanie Lulis is transferring from the middle school to a second grade teaching position at Maple Valley.

"He's not going to evaluate an immediate family member," said Essenmacher.