Former Fountain Hills High School Principal Patrick Sweeney has been named the next Fountain Hills Unified School District Superintendent.

Leaving the district in 2007, Sweeney said he was drawn back to FHUSD when he saw a posting for the superintendent position, which opened up earlier this year when current Superintendent Tom Lawrence announced his impending retirement.

While more than a dozen applications for the position were filed, Sweeney was on the five-person short list that was recently interviewed by two panels including board members, district administration and personnel, as well as community members.

During the School Board meeting held April 8, Lawrence stated that the recommendation by the interview panel in favor of Sweeney was nearly unanimous. The board voted to offer Sweeney a contract, which he signed immediately following the meeting. Sweeney will begin his three-year contract with the district July 1.