The Jefferson’s theme song Move’n On Up, seems appropriate for Bethlehem Central these days.
Former middle school principal Jody Monroe was officially named the district’s assistant superintendent of educational programs and instruction, replacing Dr. Michael Tebbano as he takes over as superintendent for outgoing Dr. Les Loomis.
The school is now forming a committee to search for Monroe’s replacement.
During its Tuesday, June 3, meeting, the Bethlehem Board of Education unanimously appointed Monroe. Board President James Lytle said interview teams of teachers, support staff, parents, students, and administrators had met with applicants out of a pool of 60 candidates who were interested in the position.
School officials held expansive and exhaustive nationwide searches for the recent positions that have opened up as a result of Loomis retiring
`We’re really very delighted, Jody of course we now have another vacancy to fill,` Lytle joked. `One could say that’s an argument for not promoting from within that just gives us more work to do.`
But on a more serious note Lytle congratulated Monroe, saying, `The reality is I think we should be very proud of the fact that we can find people that can compete on that sort of national basis within the district.`
Monroe comes to the position with an impressive rEsumE from inside and outside of the district.
Coming to district three years ago, Monroe was previously the principal of Stillwater Middle/High School and also served as an assistant principal and director of technology in Stillwater for two years. School officials said that during her interview process Monroe emphasized on strengthening literacy instruction and technology use, and incorporating the two together.
Monroe also plans to use data and trend analysis to improve instruction.
`I’m very excited to take this new role,` Monroe told the board. `I’m really exited to begin this, really excited to work with Dr. Tebbano and all of you and I think I can bring a lot of great new ideas and continue some of the initatives we’ve begun already.`
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