BOURBON - Triton School Corp. Superintendent Rex Roth is retiring next summer, and Triton Junior-Senior High School principal Ted Chittum will be his replacement.

"We've known this for quite some time," board president Dave Shively said Monday at the Triton school board meeting. "We've had numerous executive sessions on this issue."

Now in his second year as high school principal, Chittum will assume his new position in July when Roth leaves. Roth submitted his resignation two weeks ago, but the board has known for more than a year that he was considering retirement.

Triton Junior-Senior High School assistant principal Glenn Weidner will replace Chittum as principal. Weidner has served Triton as assistant principal for 10 years, coming from Plymouth in 1990.

Board members expressed their appreciation to Roth for his 13 years of service to Triton School Corp.

In other business:

• Roth reported results on a graduate follow-up study conducted by guidance counselor Hugh Rettinger.

"It's good information to have," Roth said. "(Rettinger) does a good job (with this) year in and year out."

Summaries from Rettinger's report are as follows: Triton High School class of 2000 is reported to have 49 percent of the class pursuing training beyond high school at college, vocational school or the military, 43 percent are working and 5 percent are unemployed, with 3 percent unknown. Averages of the five classes from 1995-99 are: 59 percent pursuing further education, 39 percent working, 1 percent unemployed and 1 percent unknown.

Board member Kevin Boyer suggested jokingly: "Get the names of those unemployed and send them to Elkhart County."

• Roth reported he met with State Sen. Kent Adams and State Rep. Bill Ruppel Friday to discuss the teacher retirement fund. He also reported the Triton school board was recognized through the School Board Association as an outstanding school board.

"I'm proud of you boys," Roth said. "I think our board should be commended for that."

• Triton Elementary School Principal Tom Bowers reported Red Ribbon Week is in full swing at the school. Each day students are asked to respond to questions such as: "What does it mean to have a healthy life?" Students write their answers and a drawing is held to reward top answers. Bowers said drugs are not really mentioned; rather the school is focusing on healthier, positive lifestyles for students.

Bowers also reported sixth-grade olympics is today and conference day is Wednesday. The PTO will serve lunch.

• Chittum reported 63 high school students are taking classes for dual credit through Vincennes University, Ivy Tech and Indiana University. "That's nice to see kids are taking advantage of that," Chittum said. The students are paying the tuition for the courses. He also reported junior high awards took place Monday night.

• Weidner reported Monster Mash is today from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the school.

• Board members approved three additions to textbook rentals: calculus, driver's education and English 12.

• The board approved Larry Manhardt to replace Judy King on the Bourbon library board of trustees.

• The board approved Floyd Cretcher, Joel Faulkner, Jason Cardwell and Dave Mitchell as wrestling volunteers.

• Approved volunteer supervisors Cindy Overmyer for eighth-grade cheerleading and Darrel Gudeman for varsity boys basketball.

• Approved John Wright as eighth-grade boys basketball coach.

Triton School Board members include: president Dave Shively, vice president Steve Blackford, secretary Steve Feldman, Larry Lemler and Kevin Boyer. Superintendent is Rex Roth. [[In-content Ad]]