Published: April 29, 2008 03:28 am            

EISD names lone finalist

Long-time elementary principal Mike Moon given preliminary OK by board

ELKHART — In their search for a new superintendent, Elkhart Independent School District trustees looked no further than their own front door, naming elementary school principal Mike Moon as the lone finalist for the position Monday night.

After naming a lone finalist, the board must wait until the conclusion of a 21-day waiting period — around May 20 — to officially hire Moon and issue a contract.

Moon, who has served EISD as principal for 18 years, says he is pleased to be considered as the district’s next leader and feels his knowledge of the district will gives him a big advantage over others.

“As elementary principal for almost two decades, I know a lot of the concerns that are facing the district,” Moon said Monday. “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.

“I appreciate the opportunity I have been given to lead this award-winning district I know so well.”

Moon raised two sons in EISD and his wife, Dana, is a teacher at Elkhart High School. During his time with the district, Moon 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.”

If approved by the board, Moon will replace outgoing superintendent Dr. Glenn Hambrick, who was named superintendent at Carthage ISD. Hambrick’s last day with the district is May 30, with Moon set to begin as chief in June.

In a related action, trustees also hired Tim Lewis to serve as the district’s new head football coach and athletic director during Monday’s meeting.

The board granted two probationary contracts for Lewis — one from May 5 to June 30 to complete the current school year, and the second from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

Lewis spent the last four years at Weimar High School, including the last three years as the head coach. During that tenure, he was 16-13. He also spent seven years as a head coach in Oklahoma, where he was 38-28.

In other business, the board:

• APPROVED an interlocal contract for property tax roll and statement services with the Anderson County Central Appraisal District for 2008.

• APPROVED a tax refund of $3,203.40 to Christi Lynn Balensiefen and a refund of $2,118.64 to Bryan E. and Holly W. Wilson.

• APPROVED a $76,500 proposal from Computer Land of Tyler for a Network Infrastructure Project.

• HIRED teachers Jessica Gabbard, Megan Thomas, Robin Holland and Vicki Burroughs.

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

        

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