Hendrick Hudson Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel McCann announced that Blue Mountain Middle School Assistant Principal John Owens has been appointed principal of the school effective July 1, 2008.

“Following a lengthy process, involving many members of the community, John Owens emerged as the strongest candidate for the position,” McCann said. “We were impressed with his love for the school, his knowledge of middle level instruction, and his obvious respect for students and teachers.”

Owens was named middle school assistant principal last year. Before that, he was assistant principal at Hendrick Hudson High School. Owens has been with Hendrick Hudson since July of 2005.

Owens, 46, a resident of Poughkeepsie, graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BS in General Arts and Science. He has an MS in Secondary Education/Social Studies from Long Island University.

He takes over from Dr. John Sieverding, who has been Blue Mountain interim principal since August of 2006.

“We thank Dr. Sieverding for his service to the Hendrick Hudson Schools, and specifically, to Blue Mountain Middle School,” McCann said. “He has, on more than one occasion, stepped up to assist us and provide us with his capable talents.”

(Press release courtesy of Hendrick Hudson school district.)