PHILLIPS – The SAD 58 board this week named David Crandall as the new principal of Phillips Elementary School.

Quenten Clark, the SAD 58 superintendent and Phillips’ acting principal, said Crandall will assume his new duties on July 1. Crandall is currently the assistant principal and athletic director of Carrabec High School in North Anson.

Clark, who’s been the acting principal at Phillips since Columbus Day, said, “He had good experience and background and he wanted to be here. Of all the candidates, he showed the most interest in coming to Phillips, which greatly impressed me.”

Crandall will be on hand to meet parents and students from 3 to 5 p.m. at the school’s annual Spring Fling on Friday, April 30.

Originally from Houlton, Crandall said he’s “really a small-town guy.” Crandall has been at Carrabec High School for three years. Prior to that he taught middle school English and social studies for 14 years, at Oxford Hills and Limestone schools. His undergraduate degree is from the University of New England. He’s pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Maine.

“I really liked what I saw when I visited the school before Sue Pratt (former principal) left last fall. I saw the kids on the playground, eating lunch and in the gym. I was ready, all I had to do was press print when the position was posted.” Crandall said he applied on Feb. 27; the day the position was posted.

“I am excited to be here. I have been so impressed by the staff I met earlier this week.” Crandall and his wife now live in Farmington with their son, who’s a freshman at Mount Blue High School. Their two older children are attending college at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Bentley College.

Crandall said of his new position, “I hope to never change jobs again.”