The Fort Dodge Community School board hopes to have a new principal in place for senior high by early August.

Five of the seven board members met Wednesday morning to accept the resignation of Principal David Keane. His last day will be June 30.

“I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding individuals over the past seven years,” Keane said in a statement released by the school. “The high school staff has taken risks to improve the education of our students and to empower them to make a difference in our school, community and world. And, I have never experienced a community that is willing to provide so much support to its schools. In seven years, I’ve never heard the word no from a community partner.”

Superintendent Doug Van Zyl said the position will be posted immediately. He hopes to have a few candidates to interview by July 7.

A parent/community committee, a staff committee and an administrative committee will be formed to help in the interviewing process, Van Zyl said. Members of the board will likely be on each committee.

“This is one of those positions, like a superintendent, where we have been more involved than other hires,” board President Stu Cochrane said.

Although it’s not the best time of year for this, Van Zyl said he was confident the job would attract some top tier candidates. If the school isn’t able to find anyone, it will rely on other staff within the system to help, or consider looking for a recently retired administrator to come in for a while.

“My opinion is you find the right person, you don’t just put anybody in,” he said.

Van Zyl spoke highly of Keane’s work improving the school’s opportunities through technology, and for the creation of a maker space at the school.

“We are very appreciative of the time and energy Dave has put into the high school,” Van Zyl said. “He has a passion for education and helped lead improvements in our vocational classes, alternative school and schedule.”

Keane and his wife, Tina, will be moving to Burlington, where he will be the high school principal.

Keane has been the principal in Fort Dodge since 2008. He had been the high school principal in Keokuk before coming to Fort Dodge.