PIERCETON - Thursday, Whitko School Board held their last meeting of the year, and it was Bruce Hippensteel's last meeting as interim superintendent of the school corporation.The school board hired Hippensteel in July after superintendent Dr. Jeff Hendrix left to take a job with Marion Community Schools. In July, Hippensteel told the board he could stay on until spring to give the school corporation time to finish their search for a new superintendent. On Dec. 6 the board hired Steve Clason to fill the superintendent position. Clason will start Jan. 2.
At Thursday's meeting, Hippensteel said he enjoyed his time at Whitko Schools. He said he's been impressed with the leadership of the corporation's faculty and with the school board.
"Life's a journey and I'm glad it brought me by Whitko," said Hippensteel. "To quote Dr. Seuss, 'Because it's over I cry; because it happened, I smile.'"
The board approved a proclamation designating Jan. 11 as Bruce Hippensteel Appreciation Day.
In other news, the board hired Wayne Swender as the new head football coach for Whitko High School. Former coach Bryan Sprunger resigned Nov. 19 after 26 years coaching the Wildcats.
Swender has worked in the Whitko School Corp. for 26 years. He teaches world history and physical education at Whitko High School. He has spent the last 10 years serving as an assistant coach under Sprunger.
"I feel honored and excited," said Swender. "But, I do realize I have some big shoes to fill."
An extra weather make-up day will be added to the school corporation's schedule next year. Hippensteel told the board three days were included in this year's schedule to make up for cancelations due to weather.
"We've already used two of them," he said.
WHS Principal Parish Kruger said the fourth day may be added the day before spring break, which he said is historically the lowest attended day of the school year.
