Brock Gains Wawasee School Board Approval, Becomes Syracuse Elementary Principal

May 14, 2024 at 9:07 p.m.
Karen Brock officially became the new principal of Syracuse Elementary School. She received a warm welcome at the Wawasee School Board’s regular meeting Tuesday. Pictured (L to R) are Brock; Don Bokhart, board president; and Dr. Steve Troyer, superintendent. Photo by Marissa Sweatland, InkFreeNews
Karen Brock officially became the new principal of Syracuse Elementary School. She received a warm welcome at the Wawasee School Board’s regular meeting Tuesday. Pictured (L to R) are Brock; Don Bokhart, board president; and Dr. Steve Troyer, superintendent. Photo by Marissa Sweatland, InkFreeNews

By Marissa Sweatland, InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE - The open position for Syracuse Elementary School’s principal was filled Tuesday after the Wawasee School Board approved Karen Brock for the position during its regular monthly board meeting.
Brock currently serves as principal at Goshen’s Waterford Elementary School.
Brock holds a master’s degree from Ball State University, a principal’s license from Indiana Wesleyan University and has started a doctorate program through Indiana State University. She has experience teaching first, second and fifth grades, while also having experience working as a cadet teacher in her high school years, a paraprofessional and a Title I instructor.
Throughout her nearly two decades of experience, Brock has demonstrated a strong leadership style that is uniquely characterized by her in-depth understanding of learning strategies and her passion for community building, according to school officials.
Through her application of robust leadership, Waterford saw increases in student performance and teacher collaboration.
“Brock brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of elementary education and a commitment to excellence,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer announced as he was introducing Brock. “She is set to lead Syracuse Elementary into its new era.”
Brock rose to the top of the candidate’s list after a round-robin style interview process that involved nearly 30 members of the school community.
“Our objective going into the round-robin was to get as many people involved in the process as possible. Because, one, Syracuse Elementary has not had a new principal in 12 years,” Troyer explained. “We are very happy with the results.”
Brock will serve as principal, replacing Eric Speicher, who took a position within the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
“I have already felt so welcomed by the community, by the school corporation and by the interviewing committee,” Brock said. “Meeting the students today was incredible, so special and exactly why we do what we do.”
Brock currently serves as principal at Goshen’s Waterford Elementary School.
Brock holds a master’s degree from Ball State University, a principal’s license from Indiana Wesleyan University and has started a doctorate program through Indiana State University. She has experience teaching first, second and fifth grades, while also having experience working as a cadet teacher in her high school years, a paraprofessional and a Title I instructor.
Throughout her nearly two decades of experience, Brock has demonstrated a strong leadership style that is uniquely characterized by her in-depth understanding of learning strategies and her passion for community building, according to school officials.
Through her application of robust leadership, Waterford saw increases in student performance and teacher collaboration.
“Brock brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of elementary education and a commitment to excellence,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer announced as he was introducing Brock. “She is set to lead Syracuse Elementary into its new era.”
Brock rose to the top of the candidate’s list after a round-robin style interview process that involved nearly 30 members of the school community.
“Our objective going into the round-robin was to get as many people involved in the process as possible. Because, one, Syracuse Elementary has not had a new principal in 12 years,” Troyer explained. “We are very happy with the results.”
Brock will serve as principal, replacing Eric Speicher, who took a position within the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
“I have already felt so welcomed by the community, by the school corporation and by the interviewing committee,” Brock said. “Meeting the students today was incredible, so special and exactly why we do what we do.”

SYRACUSE - The open position for Syracuse Elementary School’s principal was filled Tuesday after the Wawasee School Board approved Karen Brock for the position during its regular monthly board meeting.
Brock currently serves as principal at Goshen’s Waterford Elementary School.
Brock holds a master’s degree from Ball State University, a principal’s license from Indiana Wesleyan University and has started a doctorate program through Indiana State University. She has experience teaching first, second and fifth grades, while also having experience working as a cadet teacher in her high school years, a paraprofessional and a Title I instructor.
Throughout her nearly two decades of experience, Brock has demonstrated a strong leadership style that is uniquely characterized by her in-depth understanding of learning strategies and her passion for community building, according to school officials.
Through her application of robust leadership, Waterford saw increases in student performance and teacher collaboration.
“Brock brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of elementary education and a commitment to excellence,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer announced as he was introducing Brock. “She is set to lead Syracuse Elementary into its new era.”
Brock rose to the top of the candidate’s list after a round-robin style interview process that involved nearly 30 members of the school community.
“Our objective going into the round-robin was to get as many people involved in the process as possible. Because, one, Syracuse Elementary has not had a new principal in 12 years,” Troyer explained. “We are very happy with the results.”
Brock will serve as principal, replacing Eric Speicher, who took a position within the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
“I have already felt so welcomed by the community, by the school corporation and by the interviewing committee,” Brock said. “Meeting the students today was incredible, so special and exactly why we do what we do.”
Brock currently serves as principal at Goshen’s Waterford Elementary School.
Brock holds a master’s degree from Ball State University, a principal’s license from Indiana Wesleyan University and has started a doctorate program through Indiana State University. She has experience teaching first, second and fifth grades, while also having experience working as a cadet teacher in her high school years, a paraprofessional and a Title I instructor.
Throughout her nearly two decades of experience, Brock has demonstrated a strong leadership style that is uniquely characterized by her in-depth understanding of learning strategies and her passion for community building, according to school officials.
Through her application of robust leadership, Waterford saw increases in student performance and teacher collaboration.
“Brock brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of elementary education and a commitment to excellence,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer announced as he was introducing Brock. “She is set to lead Syracuse Elementary into its new era.”
Brock rose to the top of the candidate’s list after a round-robin style interview process that involved nearly 30 members of the school community.
“Our objective going into the round-robin was to get as many people involved in the process as possible. Because, one, Syracuse Elementary has not had a new principal in 12 years,” Troyer explained. “We are very happy with the results.”
Brock will serve as principal, replacing Eric Speicher, who took a position within the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
“I have already felt so welcomed by the community, by the school corporation and by the interviewing committee,” Brock said. “Meeting the students today was incredible, so special and exactly why we do what we do.”

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