The Perrysburg Board of Education has approved Aaron Cookson to replace Dr. Michael Short as principal of Perrysburg High School when Dr. Short retires at the end of this school year after 17 years as principal.

Mr. Cookson was hired on a two-year contract, effective August 1, at $130,000 per year.

The decision was made at the March 15 meeting.

Mr. Cookson served most recently as the principal at Hilliard Davidson High School in Hilliard, Ohio.

From 1999 to 2009, he taught Spanish as well as coached freshman boys basketball and baseball teams for Perrysburg Schools.

He holds a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish education from the University of Toledo.

“Aaron Cookson’s 12 years of successful experience leading a high performing high school in the Columbus area and his focus on creating a strategic vision to support the whole child make him a great fit for our building and community,” said Superintendent Tom Hosler.

The interview process involved three rounds of interviews, which included students, families, business, staff and administrators.

“The finalists for the position all did a very good job. However, at the end of the process, there was a clear and almost unanimous best fit for Perrysburg High School: Mr. Cookson,” stated Michael Smith, orchestra director, Perrysburg Schools.

Mr. Cookson said he is “extremely excited and overjoyed to be principal of this wonderful school. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I look forward to my next steps.”