Pasco’s Wesley Chapel High School gets a new principal

Eric "Matt" McDermott is slated to become Wesley Chapel High School's new principal.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told the School Board of his selection of the Zephyrhills High School assistant principal late Friday. The board still must give its final approval, though that is mostly a formality.

McDermott, 51, has worked as a teacher and administrator in Pasco County schools since 1996. He has also been a coach and athletic director.

For the past several years, he has worked closely with Zephyrhills principal Angie Stone, including time at Fivay and Sunlake high schools. This would be his first time leading a school.

He replaces Dee Dee Johnson, who was transferred to run Pasco Middle School. Browning selected McDermott from among seven candidates, including three from outside the county.

The School Board is scheduled to consider the appointment on Oct. 16.