By LEAH WEATHERSBY

In July, Method Odoemene was appointed the new principal of Ballard High School. Odoemene, 49, is a native of Nigeria who worked for the Seattle School District from 1994-2000, as a math and science teacher for various schools and programs including South Lake High in South Seattle and the summer school program. As an administrative intern in the Seattle School District, he trained to be a principal at Sealth and South Lake High Schools.

Most recently, Odoemene served as assistant principal at Kentlake High School in Kent. Before coming to Seattle, Odoemene worked as a scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Boise, Idaho and taught Geology and African Studies at Boise State University. He decided to move here, he said, because, as someone who is "dedicated to the education of children," he felt there would be more career opportunities in a larger city such as Seattle.

Odoemene, a Des Moines resident, said he's excited to be at Ballard High because the Ballard neighborhood is so supportive of the school.

"I am really very pleased that the Ballard community is ready to work together with Ballard High," Odoemene said. He added, "there is a strong staff any principal would wish to have to get the job done."

Odoemene replaces David Engle as principal at Ballard. Engle resigned the position this last spring in protest of a court decision that banned using race as a tie-breaker in school assignments. He now works with the Seattle Public School District in an administrative capacity, coaching principals and helping schools implement new technology.