Steven Kerrigan was hired Monday night to become the principal at Woodfern Elementary School, effective Aug. 1. He replaces Joseph Majka, who resigned to take a job closer to his home.
Mr. Kerrigan has worked in the Hillsborough district since 2001. For the last five years, he has been assistant principal at Auten Road Intermediate School. Before that, he taught fifth grade.
In education for only 14 years, he holds master’s degree in teaching and administration and is working on his doctorate in education, he said.
He lives in South Amboy.
Superintendent Jorden Schiff said that more than 100 people applied for the principal’s job, and “to promote from within is very exciting for us,” he said.
Mr. Kerrigan’s salary will be $109,500 per year.

