Howland students returning to school in the fall will find some new administrative faces. Howland Board of Education last month hired a new principal for one of the elementary schools, and is in the process of selecting a new assistant principal for the Middle school.
Board President Lori Kuszmaul said interviews were planned for the middle school assistant principal. The position became vacant with the recent retirement of David Mock who has been in the district since 1974.
That action comes after the board last month hired a new principal for Howland Middle School.
Kevin Spicher on a two-year contract as the new middle school principal replacing Barbara Sullivan who retired after 35 years with the district. Spicher most recently served as principal at Maplewood Middle School.
The board also hired Erin Pierce on a two-year contract as the new Howland Springs Primary School principal replacing Steve Gruver who retired with 32 years in the district.
Treasurer Thomas Krispinsky said there were 30 applicants for the assistant middle school principal position. He said there were 35 applicants for Howland Springs principal opening and 40 for the middle school principal position.
The district has seen other principal retirements in recent years as Linda Woodford, former principal at North Road Intermediate School, retired in 2008 and was replaced by Carl Clark. In 2006, Ed Jenkins, former principal at Howland Glen Primary, retired and was replaced by Gary Gawdyda.
The board at their meeting Monday also honored recent graduate Nicole Pachol for winning at the state championships for 300 hurdles in Division I.