COQUILLE — For the second year in a row, Lincoln Elementary School will have a new leader at the start of the next school year.

The Coquille School District Board approved hiring Julie Entz, the supervisor of special programs for the Coos Bay School District, as principal of the elementary school. She replaces current Principal David Larson at the end of June.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the school and the district,” Entz said. “It just felt like a good match for me and with what they are doing in the district.”

Before taking a position with Coos Bay schools, Entz worked for the South Coast Education Service District in early childhood special education.

Board member JoAnne Beck said working in an environment with young students presents challenges that principals of middle and high schools may not encounter. The board members and administrators thought Entz’s years working with young students made her a perfect fit for the job.

“She comes with very high references,” Superintendent Diann Gillaspie said.

Larson said he will be returning to his home state of Alaska as an assistant principal at a high school. Although he liked living in Coquille and working for the school, he said moving back to Alaska would be better for his family.

He will finish this school year and help prepare for next before leaving the last week of June, he said Monday.

“I’ve learned about quality education here, even in the face of declining enrollment,” he said.

For Entz, this is the opportunity she has been looking for in her career.

She said she plans to stay with the district until she retires.

“That’s been my goal — to be an elementary school principal,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it.”