HAMPTON -- Christopher Sousa will be the next principal of Hampton Academy.

Sandra Nickerson, chairman of the Hampton School Board, announced that Sousa was selected for the job during Tuesday night's School Board meeting.

"He was the best choice and best candidate for the job," Nickerson said.

Sousa, who is currently the principal of Proctor Jr.-Sr. High School in Vermont, was at the school earlier this week introducing himself to students and staff at Hampton Academy.

Nickerson said Sousa stood out during the interview process. The board interviewed him along with two other finalist for the job on March 12.

Two students from Hampton Academy were also involved in the selection process.

"They had very good comments and good questions," Nickerson said. "I can tell you that in our decision we listened to them and what they had to say."

Sousa, who will start July 1, will replace Fred Muscara, who announced in September that he would be retiring at the end of the school year.

Nickerson said while she's happy the search is over for a new principal, she's sad to see Muscara go at the end of the school year.

Muscara became principal in 2004 after the resignation of former principal Kevin Moran and assistant principal Jim Doig.

Although Muscara had just recently retired from his job as an assistant principal at Winnacunnet High School, Superintendent James Gaylord was able to persuade him to come out of retirement.

"It's time," Muscara said after announcing his retirement. "I'm ready to retire and enjoy it while I still can."

Nickerson said Muscara became a leader, which the school desperately needed at the time.

"We are very excited about having a new principal but we are going to miss Fred," Nickerson said. "Fred did an outstanding job for the students, staff and the community. They don't come any better than Fred and he's going be solely missed."