OCEAN TOWNSHIP — A Delaware educator has been chosen as the new principal of Ocean Township High School.

According to Superintendent of Schools Thomas Pagano, the Board of Education has hired Dr. William Cohee as principal of the 1,325-student secondary school.

Currently principal of the 1,600-student Middletown (Del.) High School, Cohee will assume the new post July 1. His base salary will be $110,600 per year.

"Dr. Cohee has 27 years of experience as a high school principal and as a secondary school administrator, and has an impressive record of expertise and involvement," said Pagano. "The Board of Education as well as myself and others in district are very thrilled to get someone of his ability and experience to head up the high school."

Cohee replaces current principal John Lysko who was appointed assistant school superintendent, curriculum and instruction, two months ago. Lysko, who had been principal for three years, replaced Maria Ursino who resigned in December.

The Ocean Township resident has been with the high school for 31 years, and before being appointed principal was supervisor of the high school science department for 17 years.

Pagano said a board search committee had narrowed a field of 16 applicants for the post to three candidates who were interviewed during the board meeting Monday.

"We’re very happy. He emerged as the strongest candidate because of his strong record as a principal," Pagano said of Cohee’s selection.

Pagano announced several other changes at the high school including a shift in responsibilities for George Conte, assistant principal, athletic director, who has been appointed assistant principal, grades 11 and 12. Conte, a 19-year veteran at the school, replaces Jerry Hauselt, who has retired.

Howard "Rusty" Todd, a special education teacher at the high school for five years, will replace Conte as athletic director.

There will also be a change of administrators at Ocean Township Elementary School where principal Barbara Villapiano will retire effective July 1. Villapiano has been in the district for 40 years, and principal at the K-5 elementary school since 1982, Pagano said.

William Galatro, assistant principal at the Ocean Township Intermediate School since 1989, has been appointed principal of the elementary school.

Candace Vasta, a guidance counselor at the grades 6-8 intermediate school, will replace Galatro as assistant principal.