The South Central School Board has named Mt. Vernon High School Assistant Principal Michael Koenke as its new high school principal.
Koenke will replace Jamie VanSyoc who moved to middle school principal with the retirement of current middle school principal Greg Grinestaff.
Koenke has spent his last seven years as the Mt. Vernon High School Assistant Principal for attendance and discipline after starting his education career as a teacher at the Mt. Vernon Elementary District.
“I’ve been looking to move up in my career and become a principal,” Koenke said. “I love this area, closer to home. I have a lot of ties here from people I grew up with, and just knowing people here in the community.”
Koenke says his first-year goal will be to get to know the staff, community and students and meet their needs.
VanSyoc explained his decision for wanting to move to Middle School Principal.
“It was a decision that I put a lot of thought into,” VanSyoc said. “Speaking with my family, my wife and my kids. I’ve been at the high school since 2016 as the principal. I’ve always enjoyed working with Junior high age level kids. With Greg retiring at the end of the year, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to get to enjoy that age range of kids and make an impact in their lives. They can be shaped and molded, and I think it’s a good fit.”
VanSyoc expects an easy transition because of the middle school staff.
Superintendent Kerry Herdes is very pleased that Koenke has accepted the job as the new High School Principal.
In other personnel action, the board approved Brock Adams for a paid assistant coach for the fifth and sixth grade boys basketball team.
The school board also received its annual audit report. Megan Urshan of Glass and Shuffett told the district there were no findings or areas of concern. She noted while expenditures were $2.2-million more than the $11-million dollars in revenue it was the result of spend down of money set-aside for the middle school addition and renovation. Urshan noted the district had 312 days of cash on hand, well above the minimum of 180 days the State Board of Education likes to see. The district maintained its recognition status on its financial profile, but slipped slightly from 3.8 to 3.9.
The board also agreed to seek sealed bids to sell the old greenhouse at the high school.
