Steve Carnes, who began his career in education 24 years ago in the Hermiston School District, will return as the interim principal at Armand Larive Middle School.

The Hermiston School Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Carnes’ hiring for the 2008-09 school year Tuesday at its meeting.

Carnes replaces Tricia Baker who announced in June that she was taking a position as the director of human resources and school improvement in the Pendleton School District.

Carnes has been the principal at Milton-Freewater’s Central Middle School for eight years.

“I am extremely grateful to the Milton-Freewater School District,” Carnes said. “I am also looking forward to working with the staff at Armand to help them carry forward the vision and direction that they have set for their school.”

Carnes will begin the position immediately.

“We are very excited to have Mr. Steve Carnes join our leadership team as interim principal,” Assistant Superintendent Wade Smith said. “He brings with him a vast repertoire of administrative experience, knowledge of curriculum and instruction, and passion for working with middle school students.”

Carnes, who also worked in the Umatilla School District, taught high school science and math for 13 years and has been a school administrator for the last 11 years.

“The Armand Larive staff and leadership have developed a special culture centered around students and learning,” Smith said. “Steve’s track record at Milton-Freewater’s Central Middle School will undoubtedly serve him and the staff well as they carry forward their strong tradition.”