Students and staff at Monument School welcomed new interim Superintendent/Principal Michael Lane this week.

Monument School District No. 8’s newly hired interim Superintendent/Principal Michael Lane began work Monday.

Lane, from Richland, Oregon, came out of his five-year retirement to take on the position.

Previously, he worked for 10 years for the Port Orford/Langlois School District where he had various roles, including superintendent the last four years before retiring.

Lane said the district had about 300 students, a little bigger than Monument.

He started his new position this week with goals to keep relations between the administration, staff and community positive with open communication.

“The staff already seems to naturally want to move toward improved communication,” he said. “I’m an interim, making sure we are compliant and taking care of the kids until a permanent superintendent is hired.”

Lane said he appreciates the warm welcome he’s received from the community, adding the staff is “polished and professional” and the school board is student-focused.

Lane replaces Ron Frieh who left the interim position a few weeks after the start of the school year.

Earl Pettit who was superintendent/principal at Monument School for seven years left in June for a position with Cove School District.

Monument school board president Jeff Thomas said Lane was recommended as a highly qualified candidate.

“He had good references from OSBA (Oregon School Board Association),” Thomas said. “He had a long track record of good performance as a superintendent and in past districts. … We’re glad to have him on board.”

Monument’s next school board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Monument.