ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Albemarle County School Board has selected two new leaders to be in charge at Baker-Butler and Murray elementary schools.

According to a release, Brad Handrich will be the new principal at Baker-Butler and Wendy Eckerle will be taking over at Murray Elementary School, effective July 1.

Handrich, who has been an assistant principal at two elementary schools, started as a teacher and reading interventionist for schools in Colorado and South America.

In Albemarle County, he earned a culturally responsive teaching certification in 2018.

“I want our students and families to feel welcome and safe at school every day, knowing they can count on us at all times,” said Handrich. “I want all students to thrive as they explore their passions and interests in a fun and engaging learning environment, to have a deep sense of pride and excitement, and to develop lifelong friendships. We need to be nurturing the unique character of every student and family, providing teachers and staff with relevant and innovative professional development, and recognizing the mutual benefits that come from community outreach.”

He is succeeding Seth Kennard, who will be the next principal of Mountain View Elementary School.

Eckerle has been an assistant principal at three elementary schools, including Greer, Brownsville and Baker-Butler.

She started with Albemarle County Public Schools as a teacher at Brownsville and as a teacher and literacy specialist at Meriwether Lewis Elementary School.

She also oversaw summer school programming at Brownsville and Crozet elementary schools before becoming the assistant principal at Brownsville in 2014.

The release says Eckerle is among the four percent of all teachers across the country who are National Board certified.

“Murray Elementary School always has been empowered by a mission statement that all children will find success, happiness, and a lifelong love of learning in a positive, safe and nurturing environment. This uplifting commitment is what inspired me to want to be a part of your community,” she said. “Building and fostering great relationships with students, families and staff is how our children will fulfill their highest social, emotional and academic potential.”

Eckerle succeeds C’ta DeLaurier, who is the new principal at Woodbrook Elementary School.