South Kitsap School District Superintendent Karst Brandsma announced some administrative changes March 17 that support grade reconfiguration and other district initiatives in the South Kitsap School District.

Jerry Holsten, South Kitsap High School principal for the past 10 years, will continue as principal on special assignment to oversee the implementation of district-wide grade reconfiguration and other initiatives. Casey Ogan, acting principal at South Kitsap since November, will resume his role as assistant principal on July 1.

The school district will soon post the open position of principal in the near future, the district said in a news release. Internal and external applicants are encouraged to apply.

The new principal, once selected, will officially begin on July 1, as well.

“South Kitsap School District will make the transition districtwide to K-5 elementary schools, 6-8 middle schools and a 9-12 high school in the 2017-18 school year,” Brandsma said.

“The transition will affect the entire district and Mr. Holsten has the expertise required to manage this critical project. He will oversee activities and engagement events to ensure the smoothest possible experience for students, staff and families.”

Holsten will also support the district’s response to recent assessments by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and Safe Havens International. The OCR audit identified various deficiencies in access and equity compliance. Safe Havens International, an industry expert on school safety, visited all South Kitsap facilities and provided recommendations to improve safety and security, the district said.