West Junior High School on Monday gained a principal, while Langston Hughes School lost one.

Myron Melton, who has been principal at Langston Hughes elementary building since 1999, was selected to become principal at West beginning in July.

“The position offers new challenges and opportunities that I find exciting,” Melton said.

He will replace Mick Lowe, who is leaving West after 18 years as principal.

Supt. Randy Weseman selected Melton based on input from district- and building-level committees.

“He has the kind of interpersonal skills and energy necessary to continue to provide West Junior High with outstanding leadership,” Weseman said.

Melton was principal of Centennial School from 1995 to 1999 and gym teacher at Sunset Hill School from 1984 to 1993.

In the intervening two years, he was assistant principal at Tonganoxie Elementary School.

Melton is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University. He earned a master’s degree in education from Kansas University.

Melton’s wife, Lisa, is a fourth-grade teacher at Hillcrest School. They have two children, Kate and Steven.

Other finalists for West principal:

• Matt Fearing, assistant principal at Southwest Junior High School.
• Lynn Harrod, assistant principal at South Junior High School.
• Jim Karleskint, director of curriculum and instruction for the Royal Valley district at Mayetta.
• Brian McCaffrey, assistant principal at Central Junior High School.
• Bruce Petersen, Concordia’s assistant superintendent and middle school principal.