Principals hired

FORT RECOVERY — Two school officials are changing roles.

Fort Recovery School Board agreed Monday to consider new contracts with Ryan Steinbrunner as high school principal and Holly Gann as middle school principal. Steinbrunner resigned, effective July 31, from his role as head of the middle school, making way for current athletic director Gann to transition into the job.

Also Monday, the board hired Coldwater native Tyler Deitsch as the next high school girls basketball coach (see related story).

Steinbrunner has served as middle school principal for three years, having previously worked for 11 years as an eighth grade science teacher at East Jay Middle School.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff and learning a whole new realm of schooling,” he said. “Stepping up to high school is a new ball game. So, a little nerve-wracking, but at the same time, kind of exciting to get to learn a new world.”

Following approval of a three-year contract with Steinbrunner, current high school principal Tony Stahl — he’s taking over as superintendent in August — patted Steinbrunner on the shoulder and grinned. Three years ago, Steinbrunner took the middle school reins from Stahl when he switched to lead the high school.

“I’ve got him right down the hall,” said Steinbrunner. “He’s been a great help for me in the first three years growing as a leader and I’m excited to keep working with him.”

Prior to her two years as athletics director, Gann worked as a middle school math teacher for nine years, having taught in Greenville, Ohio, and Danville and Franklin Township in Indiana. Gann also served as the Fort Recovery girls basketball coach for four years. The school board agreed to a two-year contract with Gann.

“Teaching is my natural background,” she said. “Before I was an AD, I was a teacher, by heart. It’s always been in my back pocket that I wanted to pursue that principalship … I really love my job, so it wasn’t an easy decision by any means, but I just felt like it was the right decision at this point in my life. I’m excited about closing this chapter and opening a new one.”

Although her job title is changing, she said, she’s still approaching the role as a way to empower students and staff, as well as work with families and community members.

“(I’m looking forward to) a different change of pace, I’m getting to work with kids and teachers on a daily basis,” she said. “I’m walking in behind two guys that have been wonderful over there, so I know I’m in good hands.”

Also Monday, the board heard from maintenance supervisor Kevin Will, who shared plans to complete several projects during summer break, which included: installation of a sidewalk on the east side of the elementary school; resealing the elementary/middle school parking lot, landscaping at the elementary/middle school; replacing portions of and installing a new roof membrane on the middle school gym; replacing concrete along the north and west entrances at the high school and possibly installing new lighting in the high school gym.

In other business, school board members Jake Knapke, Anne Guggenbiller, Sean Kahlig, Nick Wehrkamp and Don Wendel:

•Were reminded of upcoming events, including a middle school dance Friday, middle school academic awards May 1 and high school prom at 6 p.m. April 28

•Approved the list of seniors graduating from Fort Recovery High School, a service agreement with Mercer County Educational Service Center for next year and continued membership with Ohio High School Athletic Association for next year

•Accepted resignations from high school english teacher Mindy Luthman, effective Aug. 1, and maintenance engineer Grant Pottkotter, effective April 13

•Hired or renewed contracts with the following high school coaches for 2023-24, including Travis Guggenbiller (volleyball) Brent Niekamp (football), Christy Diller (cross country) Dean Sanders (boys golf) Joseph Bruns (girls golf) and Bob Leverette (boys basketball).

•Hired or renewed contracts for teachers including Makensy Stump (first grade), Tracy Evers-Westgerdes (vocal music and show choir) and Reid Knuth (vocal music); Victoria Horstman (art club, student council, newspaper, yearbook); Jennifer Steinke (cheerleading); Reid Knuth (color guard, drama, instrumental music, summer band); Matthew Kerns (Future Business Leaders Association), Amy Kaiser (Future Teachers Association); Nina Wendel (math and science club); Marcia Weigel (Scholastic Bowl); Julie Schlater (Spanish club); and Joe Hawk and Michael Gower (FFA).

•Approved or renewed contracts for Brad Evers, Reid Knuth, Tory Horstman, Chris Guggenbiller, Courtney Klosterman, Chelsea Kalhig and Heather Addington. (Guggenbiller’s renewal was OK’d on a 3-2 vote with Knapke and Kahlig dissenting.)

•Accepted a $150 donation from Be You Boutique to the high school drama club.