East Lyme — Jason Bitgood, an assistant principal at East Lyme Middle School, has been appointed by the school board to serve as the school's next principal.

"Out of a superb pool of candidates who interviewed with us, Mr. Bitgood was the clear favorite and best suited to continue the high standards of excellence at East Lyme Middle School," Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey R. Newton wrote in a letter to parents and guardians. "We are confident that he will successfully lead our school into the future, while supporting all staff members to inspire, engage and educate our students."

The current principal, Judy DeLeeuw, is retiring at the end of June.

Bitgood will begin his position on July 1.