Richard Durost, superintendent and elementary school principal in Easton, has been selected as the new executive director of the Maine Principals Association. Durost will succeed Richard Tyler, who will be stepping down in April.

Before the Easton job, Durost served as assistant principal for 12 years and principal for five years at Presque Isle High School. Durost, a UMaine-Presque Isle graduate who holds a master’s degree from UMaine, began his career at Penobscot Valley High School in Howland in 1971. After that, he served as athletic director for four years at Easton High School.

Durost served two terms on the Maine Principals’ Association Interscholastic Executive Committee and was MPA president in 1995-96. He has been active in the National Association of Secondary School Principals, has chaired the National Committee for Smaller Secondary Schools, and received a Milken Educator Award in 1995.

“Dick Durost brings 30 years in education to this position,” MPA president Katherine Garon said. “His exposure and experience at the state, regional and national level give him exceptional breadth.”

The MPA is a professional association representing Maine’s K-12 principals and assistant principals. It oversees athletics and activities.