Fort Dodge Senior High Principal Kenneth Hayes will be leaving the Fort Dodge Community School District at the end of the school year, the FDCSD announced on Wednesday.

Hayes, who served the district for three years, has accepted a position in the Educational Leadership program at the University of Northern Iowa.

At UNI, he will coordinate and teach in the principal prep program.

“While I have enjoyed my time at Senior High, I have a passion for leadership and education and this is an opportunity that doesn’t present itself very often,” Hayes said. “On behalf of my family, I thank the Fort Dodge community for welcoming, accepting and involving us. I look forward to finishing strong and continuing to make a difference during the remainder of my time at the high school.”

During his time at FDSH, Hayes focused on improving mental health at the school.

He led a group of students called Storytellers, who educated others on the subject through plays and other presentations.

Prior to his work at FDSH, Hayes was an assistant principal at Marshalltown High School.

Hayes’ resignation will become effective at the end of the school year.