Teachers often focus their careers at the elementary-school level or the older grades.

New East Port Orchard Elementary School principal Paul Hulbert might have followed that traditional path without one administrative request.

Hulbert, 43, was transitioning from teaching high-school history to administration. While working in the Ridgefield School District, Hulbert was told that he was needed at the elementary-school level.

“I loved it and knew it was the place I wanted to be,” he said.

Hulbert, who earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Western Washington University and his master’s education administration from the University of Puget Sound, spent the last 10 years in the Ridgefield School District. He most recently was the assistant principal at Union Ridge Elementary School.

But after growing up in the Puget Sound region — Hulbert graduated from Olympia High School — and first working in the Clover Park School District, he wanted to return to the area. He saw that opportunity when longtime EPO principal Kristi Smith left to become the director of teaching and learning in the Clover Park School District.

“We love the area,” said Hulbert, noting it was a good time for he and his wife to move because their oldest child is 12. “This is the place we’ve always wanted to end up.”

Hulbert inherits a school that has received a litany of awards — EPO was recognized six times as a “Distinguished School” at the state or national level during Smith’s tenure, which began in 2000.

“And I can see why because the staff is so great,” Hulbert said. “They’re a wonderful group of people and are kid-focused.”

And, he said, the EPO community can expect the same from him.

“I’m very kid-focused,” Hulbert said. “I’m out and about a lot. I’m not a sitter. I’m active and I like to be in the classroom.”