Shawn Schleizer has been hired as the new principal of Melzer School, announced Dr. Scott Clay, superintendent of East Maine School District 63.

Schleizer, currently the principal of Willard Elementary School in Elgin Community Unit School District 46, commonly called U-46. He will start at Melzer July 1.

“I’m looking forward to joining the community and building on the successes of the past,” Schleizer said. “The school has great test scores and a diverse community. I've received a really warm welcome.”

EMSD School District 63 received about 50 applications for the position, asked its administrative team to interview eight finalists and sent three of them to interview with a staff committee and a parent committee at the school, said Superintendent Dr. Scott Clay.

The district also surveyed parents and staff on what they would like to see in a principal. Results included: a candidate strong in curriculum and instruction, someone who's student-oriented, someone who could work with parents, community members and staff, an someone with either experience or a strong interest in diversity.

“The committee was impressed with his knowledge of education and said he obviously cared about children. They liked his calm demeanor,” said Clay.

Schleizer has five years of administrative experience. Before that, he taught for seven years, in a forth grade classroom as well as both elementary and secondary school physical education.

He is pursuing his Ph.D at National Louis University, and has a master's degree from Harvard University in administrative planning and social policy.

Schleizer lives in Glenview, and Clay said he was pleased about having such a short commute to Melzer.