Newell Barney Junior High School will have a new principal this new school year.

The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) Governing Board and Superintendent Perry Berry have announced that Kevin Aikins is the new principal for Newell Barney Junior High, according to the a press release.

Aikins is the current assistant principal at Newell Barney and has worked for QCUSD for seven years. He has 12 years of educational experience in positions including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal and athletic director.

Aikins earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in history at Arizona State University and his masters degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State. He and his wife have two daughters who attend Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary.

"I am looking forward to working with our growing community to continue the tradition of excellence at Newell Barney Junior High." Aikins stated in the release.

Berry added, "Kevin has done a great job in his leadership role at Newell Barney as assistant principal and athletic director. We're happy to be able to advance his career path within the district and continue great leadership for our students."

Aikins will assume his new role in July.