Published: May 20, 2008 02:10 am            

Elkhart approves Moon as new superintendent

ELKHART — Elkhart Independent School District trustees gave current elementary school principal Mike Moon the a-OK as the district’s new superintendent Monday night, announcing a start date of June 1 and a salary of $85,000 a year.

Moon, who was named the district’s lone finalist for the top spot, has served as principal at Elkhart Elementary School for 18 years. He raised two sons in the district and his wife, Dana, is a teacher at Elkhart High School.

“I appreciate the opportunity I have been given to lead this award-winning district I know so well,” Moon said at last month’s meeting. “I feel I can work closely with the community and the school board to help meet the needs of the district and the ever-growing student population.”

During his time with the district, Moon said he has built many relationships with faculty and staff, students, parents and members of the community.

“I think my transition to superintendent should be a smooth one,” he said. “I will strive to keep the children first and to keep our standards high.”

Moon replaces outgoing superintendent Dr. Glenn Hambrick, who was named superintendent at Carthage ISD. Hambrick’s last day with the district is May 30.

Also during Monday’s meeting, trustees promoted current elementary assistant principal Denise Ray to Moon’s vacated position as the campus’ principal this summer.

In other business, the board:

• APPROVED setting the salary for the elementary and middle school principals at $62,000 a year each. The measure was approved 6-1, with trustee David Mendiola casting the lone opposing vote.

• AMENDED the 2007-08 EISD budget to reflect the receipt of a fish and wildlife grant, costs of the district’s recently approved network infrastructure project, and additional costs of the elementary roof and middle school gym lobby projects.

• CANVASSED the May 10 school board election and clarified the results.

• ELECTED new board officers for 2008-09, including John McKinney as president, Tina Teetz as vice president and Stephen Ham as secretary.

• APPROVED the date for the June board meeting to 7 p.m. June 16 due to a scheduling conflict with the superintendent. In a separate action, the board canceled the regular May board meeting.

• APPOINTED new superintendent Mike Moon as the district’s representative to the Region VII ESC Regional Advisory Committee.

• HIRED agriculture science teacher Robert Hopkins. The measure was approved 6-1, with trustee Stephen Ham casting the lone opposing vote.

• APPROVED adjusting the paraprofessional pay scale to comply with minimum wage laws.

• APPROVED a resolution to include EISD in the Region VII ESC Purchasing Cooperative.

• APPROVED additions to the 2008-09 student transfer list.

• APPROVED a tax refund of $745.81 for Darren W. Quick.

• APPROVED the Acorn Tree Memorandum of Understanding.

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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com

        

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