Geneva School District 304 has announced a new assistant principal has been hired for Geneva Middle School North.

George Petmezas, formerly a special education teacher and special education coordinator at West Chicago High School, will start on Wednesday.

Craig Collins, assistant superintendent for human resources for District 304, said Petmezas was selected after a long interview process. Collins said they were impressed with Petmezas’ background.

“I think everyone who met with him was impressed with his knowledge of current education practices,” Collins said. “His personal ability to connect with people, even in an interview setting, was very clear.”

Collins said that while Petmezas’ background in special education was a factor in their decision to hire him, it wasn’t the main reason.

District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler said the individual committees that looked at Petmezas thought he would be a strong leader within the middle school.

“We’re anxious to have him come in,” Mutchler said.

Mutchler said the position is an important one that shares disciplinary, curriculum and support duties with the principal, as well as support for the staff and students.

Geneva Board of Education member Leslie Juby said at the June 22 school board meeting that the assistant principal role is a “very needed position.”

“We really need that assistant principal (position),” Juby said. “They’re very visible (at the school).”

The position was vacant because of former assistant principal Olivia Smith leaving for personal family reasons.

Petmezas was not able to be reached for comment.