Pete Cowen has been named director of maintenance for the Port Aransas ISD.

He replaces Kirk Palermo who was hired as maintenance director in March and left the district last week.

Cowen came on board at the same time as transportation supervisor and assistant maintenance director. His move up to maintenance director leaves the district looking for someone who can perform maintenance and repair duties. The school district is advertising for someone to fill that position.

“We’d like to find somebody who has (air conditioning) chiller experience,” said district Business Manager Olivia Mixon.

Former maintenance director John Dreiling is filling in with air conditioning duties and helping Cowen get acquainted with the director’s duties, Mixon said.

Before coming to Port Aransas ISD, Cowen was athletic field supervisor at Aransas Pass ISD. He is married to girls’ varsity basketball coach Stephanie Cowen.