A new principal could be hired as soon as July 10 for Centerville Senior High School.
Centerville-Abington Community Schools’ board unanimously approved the resignation of Tim Hollendonner during its June 19 board meeting along with other personnel updates.
No administrators or board members commented about Hollendonner’s departure before the vote. His name was listed as a resignation on the employment report shared with WWN. Other categories are terminations, new hires, transfer, rehire, volunteer and pending hire.
After the meeting, Board President Todd Duke told WWN that the board doesn’t comment on personnel matters.
Superintendent Mike McCoy added that the position is very important.
“We’re going to make sure we get the best candidate we can find,” McCoy said.
There was no indication at the board’s June 5 meeting that a leadership change was imminent.
Hollendonner joined the district in July 2013 as CSHS’ assistant principal. He was promoted to CSHS principal in July 2020. Around that time, former Superintendent Phil Stevenson retired and McCoy, then CSHS principal, transitioned to the district’s top job.
At the time of Hollendonner’s move to CSHS, McCoy said, “His knowledge regarding the programs and processes both inside and outside of the school will help to make the transition smooth and foster continued growth for the staff and students of CSHS.”
McCoy said at the board meeting that he’s forming a search committee to review applications and select finalists for interviews.
McCoy asked for a board member to serve on the committee. Andy Wandersee, who serves as the board’s liaison to CSHS, volunteered.
According to the job posting on CACS’ website, the vacancy listing was sent June 13 to universities and Indiana Department of Education. McCoy said internal and external candidates may apply. The 13 qualifications sought include a master’s degree with a major in educational administration/curriculum and instruction, an Indiana principal license, and service as a role model with integrity, self-confidence and optimism.
Applications are due June 30, and McCoy will send them to committee members on July 1.
Interviews will be scheduled for July 8-9, and McCoy is hopeful a candidate can be hired at the board’s next regular public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, in the administration building, 115 W. South St., Centerville. The candidate ideally would start work July 15 to prepare for the new school year.
However, if the right candidate is not found under this accelerated timetable, McCoy said district officials would find a way to handle the responsibilities until the hire is made. He said the high school is covered for the summer.
The board approved other administrators’ contracts 5-0.
In other business
School facilities: The board will conduct public hearings at its July 10 and 24 meetings to discuss proposed renovations/improvements to school facilities, including demolition of the Annex Building, and buying technology and equipment.
After evaluating costs for renovating the annex to meet current safety codes, it was deemed too expensive. The board voted a few years ago to add classrooms onto Centerville-Abington Elementary instead.
A representative from financial adviser Baker Tilly will be present to answer questions.
Graduation cords: Sharing concerns from upset parents, board Secretary Renee Westover asked why CSHS wouldn’t allow graduates to wear cords representing 4-H or Eagle Scout achievements or Ivy Tech or Indiana University East courses when some other schools do.
When he was principal, McCoy said he followed earlier traditions, only allowing cords for CACS-related achievements or military enlistment, because youth organizations and colleges have their own events to recognize graduates.
Most school board members said they believe it’s the role of McCoy and his team to make those decisions and then educate the board on how their decision was reached. Some were concerned how to decide which organizations’ accessories would be allowed and whether personalization of graduation attire could then turn political. They encouraged McCoy to discuss the idea with the new principal in the coming months.
CACS building issues: CACS continues to have building issues. Four major leaks have been found in Centerville-Abington Elementary’s roof. On a positive note, its door locks have been fixed.
And, no solution has been found to get the transportation center open. It failed inspection in part because guardrails are needed around electrical boxes. Guardrails were not on the architectural plans. The district’s construction company says no one will add the guardrails because of all the conduits already running underground in that area.
Donations: The board approved donations (CJM Dumpsters LLC, $150, CSHS Drama Club; Michelle Myers LLC and The Next Step Dance Studio, $300, CSHS band).
Additional personnel updates
- Departure: Mia Nickel, seventh grade English teacher
- Pending hires: Special education teachers Chasity Walton (Centerville-Abington Elementary) and Brittany Schober (Rose Hamilton Elementary); Lisa Parr, substitute bus driver; Arianna Deeb, substitute bus aide; Julie Page, eighth grade volleyball coach
A version of this article appeared in the June 26 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.