In a recent shuffle of school positions, West High School Principal Jeff Frase has taken over Duncan-Russell High and Willow Community Day schools.

Frase’s move was the result of a recommendation by Tracy Unified School District officials, including

Superintendent James Franco, according to district spokeswoman Jessica Cardoza.

Cardoza said Monday, March 4, that district officials wanted Frase at Duncan-Russell and Willow to oversee ongoing programs, including online high school classes and onsite adult school programs. He changed positions Feb. 14.

The same day Frase began his new role, Troy Brown took over as West High’s interim principal. Brown was serving as assistant principal at West.

As a first-time principal, Brown said he is still getting used to the job, and he plans to apply for the permanent position once the job is posted by the district.

“I’m real excited,” Brown said. “One of my goals was to become a principal. I obviously hope it goes that way.”

Frase would not respond to two in-person visits to Duncan-Russell this week seeking comment from him about the change. The secretary said Tuesday that all questions regarding the change were being referred to the TUSD human resources office.

Officials in human resources did not return phone calls seeking comment.

• Contact Denise Ellen Rizzo at 835-3030 or drizzo@tracypress.com.