Austin High School Assistant Principal Andrea Malo will take over the position of principal, effective in the 2017-2018 school year.

The announcement was made Thursday by Austin Superintendent David Krenz.

Malo will fill the vacancy left by Katie Baskin, who will take over the principal position at Southgate Elementary School.

Malo began her career at AHS in 1998 as a social studies instructor. She has served as assistant principal since 2012. She also serves as the director of the Area Learning Center.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies, a master’s degree in educational leadership and a K-12 principal license.

Malo has been active in the development and implementation of several initiatives at AHS, including the annual Washington, D.C., trip for students. She serves as the adviser to the high school student council and is a member of many committees and organizations.

In the community, she serves on the Salvation Army Board and Truancy Task Force. She also serves on the Minnesota Department of Education Standards Committee for Social Studies.

Krenz said Malo brings “excellent experience and skills to the high school leadership position and is excited to continue to work with the students and staff at AHS.”