Eudora Middle School’s next principal will come with some high school experience.

Jerry Henn, principal of Paola High School, emerged from a field of 86 applicants to become principal at the middle school.

Henn will replace Rich Proffitt, who is leaving the middle school to become superintendent of the Southeast of Saline school district.

Henn has spent the past 15 years as principal at Paola, after having served as principal of Ellinwood Junior-Senior High School.

“He understands that middle school students are in the midst of a really critical stage, both academically and developmentally,” said Don Grosdidier, superintendent of the Eudora school district.

“He is committed to meeting their needs and to helping them be prepared for all the opportunities that will come as they progress to high school and beyond.”