NEW ALBANY — Don Unruh will be returning to a familiar office next year.

Unruh has spent this school year as interim principal at New Albany High School. However, he has decided to return to his old job as the school’s athletic director in August.

The principal’s job was going to be posted whether Unruh decided to apply or not. He said he knew going into this year he was only the interim principal.

“I was torn rather to apply or not,” he said. “The thing that kept me from doing that is I really liked the job I was doing. I really enjoy being athletic director.”

Unruh spent 11 years as the schools athletic director before becoming interim principal this year. He has been at the school for 24 years.

Superintendent Bruce Hibbard with New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp. said preliminary interviews will begin next week for the two principal vacancies at New Albany High School and Hazelwood Middle School.

“I thank Donny so much for the job he has done,” Hibbard said. “Donny has great people skills. He’s utilized those I think to mesh the staff together. I think they have done some great things this year in trying to do a better job communicating with the staff.”

Dutch Vigar served as interim athletic director at New Albany this year and earned praise from Unruh.

“Dutch has been fantastic,” Unruh said. “He knew he was interim. He has helped me in so many ways around the building. Dutch has indicated he is interested in returning to coaching.”

Unruh said both jobs — principal and athletic director — take a lot of time. However, he said his heart was in the athletic department.

“Right now, I would be very content to finish my career as athletic director at New Albany High School,” Unruh, 53, said. “It’s a job I really, really like. I’m proud of the long tradition the athletic department has. I want to continue that tradition ... that’s a challenge I really enjoy.”

Hibbard said he has heard many good things about Unruh.

“Other athletic directors call him for his expertise,” Hibbard said.

Unruh said he appreciates the support he received from the faculty, students and community this year. He said that support is what made the decision a difficult one.

“It’s been overwhelming,” he said of the support. “I think we got a lot accomplished.”