The Poland Board of Education has hired new principals for Poland Middle School/Mckinley Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year.

The board voted to hire David Purins of Poland as the new Head Principal for Poland Middle School and McKinley.

Lisa Iberis will be the new associate principal at the Middle School buildings.

The positions were left vacant by the retirements of Mark Covell and Ed Kempers.

The board restructured the positions into a head principal and associate principal position to work collaboratively, saving the district approximately $24,000 next school year, according to a news release.

“We had nearly 50 applicants for these positions,” said Superintendent David Janofa.

Purins has been an educator for more than 15 years, the last four serving as assistant principal at Austintown Fitch.

He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from YSU.

He received his Masters in Educational Administration from YSU in 2011.

He and his wife, Janae, reside in Poland where their oldest of two boys will enter first grade this year.

Iberis has been acting Interim Assistant Principal since January 1, filling the position left vacant by Ed Kemper’s retirement.

She graduated from YSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and holds two Master’s degrees; in English, and Educational Administration.

Iberis and her family live in Poland, and her three children attend Poland Schools.