By ANDY GARDNER

POTSDAM -- Potsdam central’s superintendent, recently chosen as Massena Central’s new school chief, says he is excited to return to the district where he began his administrative career.

Massena school board Vice President Ron Faucher released an email Friday morning announcing that the board will formally appoint him Feb. 5 and anticipates he will assume the new post July 1.

“It has always been a strong interest of mine to remain in the North County while continuing to advance a career in administration,” Brady said. “This opportunity has now been realized and I look forward to the new job in Massena and the adventures which undoubtedly await.”

Potsdam Central Board of Education President Wade Davis said he’s sad to see Brady leave, but wishes him well, also noting that his board will soon start looking for a replacement.

“We’re pleased Massena recognized his value and we will miss Pat’s hard work and dedication … there will be some big shoes to fill and we will find a qualified candidate to do so.”

He anticipates discussing the matter at the board’s Jan. 27 meeting.

Brady held several positions at Massena Central between 2000 and 2005, including assistant high school principal, junior high principal and summer school principal. He also taught summer school there from 1998 to 2000.

“Through their hiring process, which was very thorough, I was able to reconnect … and see they have a board of education that is very supportive and is looking for someone who can provide stable leadership,” Brady said.

Brady will replace Interim Superintendent of Schools William Flynn, who replaced another interim superintendent, William Crist. He replaced former superintendent Roger Clough.

Prior to picking Brady, the Massena school board had narrowed a previous search to two candidates. In February 2014, the board ultimately rejected both Lisa Grenville, a K-12 supervisor for the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES in the Potsdam region and Morristown Superintendent of Schools David J. Glover and started from scratch.