The three children of Nettle Creek School Corp.’s newest administrator are thrilled their mom will be back in purple and gold.
Superintendent Emily Schaeffer said all Nettle Creek personnel are very excited about Maria Tinkle’s return in a new role – the district’s director of learning.
The board approved hiring Tinkle at its Aug. 26 meeting.
Last year, Tinkle was assistant principal for Northeastern High School in Fountain City.
“When I called for a reference from her former superintendent, he provided glowing reviews, highlighting her tremendous growth and significant contributions in that role,” Schaeffer said.
Tinkle, who has 20 years of teaching experience, previously taught fourth grade English/language arts and sixth grade math at Hagerstown Elementary School.
Schaeffer said Tinkle also has a deep understanding of high-ability, fifth grade, and multi-age classrooms.
“We believe she is a fantastic addition to our curriculum, instruction and leadership team,” Schaeffer said of the Richmond High School graduate.
Tinkle and her husband, Brad, live in Greens Fork, and their three children attend Nettle Creek schools. Alex and Sophia are at Hagerstown Junior-Senior High School and Andrew attends HES.
Additional personnel updates
Hires: Toni Callahan, on-call substitute teacher; Kodie Houghton, bus driver; Pat Brown, junior high volleyball volunteer
Departures: James Edwards, bus driver; Christin Hancock, preschool assistant; Victoria Pearson, volleyball volunteer
Next meeting
The board’s next meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Hagerstown Elementary School, 299 N. Sycamore St.
A version of this article appeared in the September 3 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.