Steve Kerrigan, the assistant principal of Auten Road Intermediate School, has been named principal at Woodfern Elementary School.

Kerrigan replaces Joseph Majka who resigned to become superintendent and principal of the one-school district in the Monmouth County community of Bradley Beach.

The board of education unanimously approved Kerrigan’s appointment at Monday’s meeting.

Kerrigan, who attended the meeting with his parents and brother, thanked all those involved in the selection process said he was “very excited” to take the new position.

“I’m looking forward to continue my service in the Hillsborough school district,” Kerrigan told the school board.

Kerrigan earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Rutgers. He has master's degrees from Rutgers and the College of New Jersey. He is working on his doctorate in education from Rutgers.

Kerrigan, who will start in the position on Aug. 1, will earn $109,500.

Majka became principal of Woodfern last year. He joined the school district in 2009 as vice principal at Hillsborough High School.

Majka  is a former U.S. Marine and an attorney, He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Rutgers  and a law degree from Seton Hall University School.

More than 100 applicants were received for the job, Superintendent of Schools Jorden Schiff said. "We're very excited too about your appointment," Schiff said.