Belfry Middle School Principal James Hurley’s new job will take him from monitoring tweens and teens to assisting a former Kentucky governor with higher education.

Named vice president and special assistant to the new president of Pikeville College, former governor Paul Patton, Hurley will resign his principal’s position effective Sept. 18.

‘Belfry Middle School will always be a special place,’ said Hurley. ‘I am very thankful for the opportunity that the Pike County School System provided and the memories my family and I will take with us.’

Matthew Mercer is currently assistant principal at the school. He told the Daily News some assumed he would step into the principal position, but that is not the case.

‘There is a process that is followed,’ he said. ‘After Mr. Hurley’s resignation takes effect, the job will be posted by the Kentucky Department of Education for 30 days.’

The Belfry Middle School Site Based Decision Making Council (SBDMC) will screen and interview candidates for the position, for which members will be trained on how to choose the best person.

Mercer said he expects the council to fill the position in October.

‘In my opinion, the process will take until the middle of October,’ Mercer said. ‘I will remain assistant principal until then.’

Mercer said he will act as principal until a new one is chosen, and that he plans to apply for the job.

‘I hope I get the position, it is an awesome opportunity,’ he said.

In addition to being assistant principal at BMS for three years, Mercer has taught and coached at Phelps High and East Ridge High School.

‘I love this school,’ he added. ‘I have really enjoyed working with the parents and the staff as well as the kids here. I am proud to have been here when we were chosen as a School to Watch. I would like to build our success on that. I want to keep itmoving in the right direction.’