Whitko considering Clason for superintendent
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Tim [email protected]
The school board is holding a special meeting tonight to consider hiring Steve Clason, Elkhart, for the post. Clason is currently the executive director of educational services at Goshen Community Schools.[[In-content Ad]]Reached by telephone, Clason said he began his career in education 30 years ago as a middle school science and math teacher in Mishawaka. In the past 10 years, Clason has worked at the Goshen School Corp. overseeing technology and assessment programs, curriculum and facility development.
Whitko School Board began searching for a new superintendent in June, after previous superintendent Dr. Jeff Hendrix left to take a job with Marion Community Schools.
Board President Pete Mitchell said Clason was one of five applicants shortlisted by the board for interviews Nov. 12, 14 and 15. The board interviewed him Nov. 15.
"He told us he's from a rural community and understood where we're coming from," Mitchell said. "He said he thought he could do a good job for us. After we talked to him for an hour or so, we kind of agreed."
Mitchell said Clason's experience working with technology and with school curriculum could benefit the school corporation.
"He's never been a superintendent," Mitchell said, "but, he's got a lot of central office experience."
Mitchell said, when Hendrix left, the board prepared for a long search for a replacement.
"We didn't know whether we could get the job done by January," Mitchell said. "We thought we might have to wait a little longer."
Mitchell said he was glad to find a candidate with Clason's qualifications in time to start the new year with a full-time superintendent. The board hired Bruce Hippensteel as interim superintendent in July. Hippensteel said he could stay as long as this spring if needed.
"We were ready to take a little longer, but it just seemed like it would work out and all five of us (board members) agreed," Mitchell said. "I am encouraged and I think the rest of the board was too."
Clason said he looks forward to the opportunity to work at Whitko. He said the school system's plan for academic achievement and the curriculum development program the schools are using were two factors which attracted him to Whitko.
Also, he said, he looks forward to life in the country.
"I grew up in a rural community and I am looking forward to going back to that," Clason said. "I'm looking forward to a rural lifestyle."
The school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Whitko Administration Office, Pierceton.
The school board is holding a special meeting tonight to consider hiring Steve Clason, Elkhart, for the post. Clason is currently the executive director of educational services at Goshen Community Schools.[[In-content Ad]]Reached by telephone, Clason said he began his career in education 30 years ago as a middle school science and math teacher in Mishawaka. In the past 10 years, Clason has worked at the Goshen School Corp. overseeing technology and assessment programs, curriculum and facility development.
Whitko School Board began searching for a new superintendent in June, after previous superintendent Dr. Jeff Hendrix left to take a job with Marion Community Schools.
Board President Pete Mitchell said Clason was one of five applicants shortlisted by the board for interviews Nov. 12, 14 and 15. The board interviewed him Nov. 15.
"He told us he's from a rural community and understood where we're coming from," Mitchell said. "He said he thought he could do a good job for us. After we talked to him for an hour or so, we kind of agreed."
Mitchell said Clason's experience working with technology and with school curriculum could benefit the school corporation.
"He's never been a superintendent," Mitchell said, "but, he's got a lot of central office experience."
Mitchell said, when Hendrix left, the board prepared for a long search for a replacement.
"We didn't know whether we could get the job done by January," Mitchell said. "We thought we might have to wait a little longer."
Mitchell said he was glad to find a candidate with Clason's qualifications in time to start the new year with a full-time superintendent. The board hired Bruce Hippensteel as interim superintendent in July. Hippensteel said he could stay as long as this spring if needed.
"We were ready to take a little longer, but it just seemed like it would work out and all five of us (board members) agreed," Mitchell said. "I am encouraged and I think the rest of the board was too."
Clason said he looks forward to the opportunity to work at Whitko. He said the school system's plan for academic achievement and the curriculum development program the schools are using were two factors which attracted him to Whitko.
Also, he said, he looks forward to life in the country.
"I grew up in a rural community and I am looking forward to going back to that," Clason said. "I'm looking forward to a rural lifestyle."
The school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Whitko Administration Office, Pierceton.
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