The Grand Coulee Dam School District board Monday night approved the hiring of Ronanda Liberty as the new interim high school principal. Hired for a year, Liberty will serve as the principal while the search continues for the right fit for the long term.

“I feel real strongly that her presence with the staff; they know her, it’s not something new. ... She’ll be a great asset for us,” said Superintendent Paul Turner.

Liberty, whose home is in Ritzville, served as principal in the 2015-16 school year, the first woman to fill the position in the district. She was also the middle school principal for the 2013-14 school year.

Liberty is building a business as an educational consultant, Turner said at the July 9 meeting, and will take off 10-15 days throughout the school year, scheduled in advance, at which points Turner will fill in.

Reached via Facebook Messenger Tuesday, Liberty said she was excited to come back for the year.

“It’s a unique opportunity for me to come in already knowing students and staff,” Liberty said. “Getting acclimated is a long process; this familiarity will help keep the school moving forward from the start.”

Liberty said she would be able to work on areas of emphasis the district is targeting, including classroom management, attendance and the overall middle school and high school culture.