Many school districts are dealing with turnover as the employment landscape settles after the COVID-19 pandemic.
At West Perry, the changes ascend all the way to the top.
In July, Michael Adamek became acting superintendent following the retirement of Nancy Snyder.
The school board also filled a vacancy in its ranks as Richard Kitner was appointed to fill the remaining term of Crystal Summers, who moved out of the district.
Kitner was selected from four candidates. The initial vote was split 4-4 as George Fishel, Shannon Morris, Jean Rice and Denise Bidwell supported Kitner, while Joyce Johnson, Wesley McKee, Cassie Miller and Krista Wills backed Gabrielle Brandt. Kitner prevailed on a second ballot as Miller flipped her vote.
The process the board utilized to make the selection proved somewhat controversial. During the Aug. 8 board meeting, Wills moved to include more detailed discussions of the proceedings in the minutes, namely that some of the conversation pertained to wanting a more balanced male/female ratio on the board.
During public comment, Ashley Weaver criticized the process as well. Weaver felt the process was unfair, with the candidates questioned later having the advantage of hearing the questions when asked of the previous candidates. Weaver also expressed concern over the talk of gender balance in relation to equal opportunity issues.
Both New Bloomfield and Blain elementaries will be starting the school year with new principals. Kristi Coble and Tonya Kepner move into the respective roles.
West Perry’s business office is under new leadership, also. Kenneth Medina was hired as district business manager/board secretary.
As to all other openings, Adamek assured the public the administration was working hard to have all positions filled by the start of the coming school year.
The latest teachers hired include Emily Cramer, Regan Swigart and Sonja Wagner who will teach first, third and fourth grades respectively at New Bloomfield Elementary.
The board also approved promoting nine paraprofessionals to full time status (7 hours per day) with benefits from their previous status of 5.5 hour days sans benefits.
In other news, the district adopted two new logos, one for professional uses and one for uniforms.
The designs were the product of a committee which spent a year taking input from students, alumni, coaches and other stakeholders. High school Principal Chris Rahn explained the new athletic logo would be phased in over three years as uniforms were replaced under the existing replacement cycle.
Finally, members of the Blain PTO are constructing a pavilion on the Blain Elementary School grounds.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Cookie Settings
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2024).
© 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.