Clete Edmunson was named superintendent and high school principal for the Council School District on Monday night. He replaces Tim Jensen, who stepped down last month. Edmunson was interviewed by the board of trustees in mid-March.

“I’m super excited,” said Edmunson, who in February resigned from his leadership job in New Plymouth after an unresolved investigation, weeks of community turmoil and heated school politics.

Edmunson was born and raised in Council where his parents live on the family farm.

“It’s a great move,” Edmunson said. “I’ll have a great support system and I’m excited to be a Lumberjack again.”

Edmunson said he and his wife will be moving back to Council and his start date is July 1.

“I’m ready for a new adventure,” he said.

Edmunson first started teaching and coaching in New Plymouth in 1994. He served in the Idaho Legislature from 2003-2008 and went on to become a special adviser to Gov. Butch Otter.

After his political career, Edmunson returned to education. He was hired as New Plymouth High’s principal in 2015.

The drama in New Plymouth began on Jan. 16 when Superintendent Kevin Barker told Idaho Education News that Edmunson suddenly and voluntarily resigned as principal.

The following day, Edmunson disputed Barker’s explanation, and told Idaho Education News he was pressured into resigning. Edmunson then decided to rescind the letter of resignation and force the board to take action.

An investigation was launched and New Plymouth trustees were scheduled to decide Edmunson’s fate in late February. Instead, Edmunson voluntarily resigned and agreed to a “separation agreement” that kept him on paid leave until July 1 and stopped all district investigations into any allegations. He confirmed Tuesday there are no ongoing investigations.