By JIMMY LAWTON

NORWOOD – Potsdam middle school principal James M. Cruikshank will be Norwood-Norfolk’s new superintendent.

The board of education unanimously approved Cruikshank’s hire Tuesday after a selection process that began in October.

Cruikshank has served as principal at A.A. Kingston Middle School for about seven years. He has also served as a math teacher, science teacher, athletic director and dean of students throughout his career, which spans about 21 years.

School board president Jon Hazen said there were many quality applicants, but Cruikshank was the best fit for the district.

“We had 14 applicants that the board sifted through. We cut the field down to four people and interviewed those candidates,” he said. “In early February the candidates were interviewed by four stake-holder groups and we put their thoughts together with our own,” he said.

The groups consisted of administrators, teaching staff, non-teaching staff and community members.

Hazen said collecting thoughts from a variety of groups is important because the position will affect members from each group.

“It was a tough decision. We were lucky the four people we interviewed were viable candidates. All three finalists had their own strengths, but we are hoping to build on the potential we see in Mr. Cruikshank.”

Hazen said while Cruikshank has not served as a superintendent he has skills in budgeting and administrative duties, as well as other experience that qualifies him for the position.

“He has experience that goes beyond being a middle-school principal,” Hazen said.

Cruikshank will replace out going superintendent Elizabeth Kirnie, whose contract expires June 30.