Greg Hinshaw hired as Randolph Central Superintendent

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

The Randolph Central School Board Tuesday evening approved hiring Randolph County native Dr. Greg Hinshaw as the corporation's new superintendent. After a divisive board discussion of his compensation package Hinshaw told a board member he would not confirm his acceptance of the position for 24 hours.

Early Wednesday afternoon, Hinshaw said he will accept the RC superintendent job.

"Everything's go," Hinshaw said in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon. "I wasn't particularly looking for a job. I've been extremely happy as Delta High School principal. I've had my superintendent's license for three years but I was just beginning to feel ready to make that step.

"Randolph Central has some real potential. It's the only place I've looked at for a superintendent job. I wanted to be sure I was ready for that challenge."

With 12 years of experience as an educator, Hinshaw has been principal at Delta HS since July, 2004. He was previously assistant principal at Delta for three years. He was also a teacher at Wes-Del High School from 1996-2001.

He received his Doctor of Education degree in May and completed his Specialist in Education superintendent certification in July, 2005 from Ball State University. He also has Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Ball State.

"Greg Hinshaw is very qualified, as proven by his past accomplishments," said board member Fred Pries. "He is brilliant, has incredible morals, impeccable credentials and he works well with other people."

The board motion to hire Hinshaw effective July 1 at an annual salary of $102,000 with the transfer of up to 90 unused sick days from his previous employer met with some disagreement from board members.

"This is pretty standard statewide," said board member Scott Hawkins. "We've done that with all administrators we've hired here including principals Randy Rains and Greg Kile."

Board member Dana Cox said the issue was not discussed in a prior executive session meeting.

"I don't want him to take it in a negative light but I don't think it should transfer," said board member Troy Prescott. "I can't agree with that because of what it could cost the school corporation (if Hinshaw would sustain a serious health problem soon after he was hired)."

Pries said every industry has its standards and practices. He said it is a very common practice on the administrative level to transfer unused sick days.

"We feel the least we can do for this gentleman is to transfer a portion of the sick days he's accumulated," Pries said. "I feel this is a way to start in good faith with this good prospect."

Prescott asked Hinshaw if he'd be willing to start with 30 sick days instead of 90. Pries said Hinshaw has accumulated something like 150 days and has already settled on transferring only 90. Hinshaw said he would like some time to consider the suggested reduction.

"I support Mr. Hinshaw," Prescott said. "He's a great guy and I think he'll be a great superintendent."

Hawkins said he looks forward to working with Dr. Hinshaw.

The 5-member board voted to hire Hinshaw as superintendent, with the 90 sick day transfer, casting four votes in favor and Prescott abstaining.

Under the proposed contract, Hinshaw would work 260 days each year less 10 paid vacation days.

The board also heard an update on the Deerfield School wastewater treatment plant from facility operator Travis Williamson.

"Basically, I recommend a typical maintenance plan - removing some material in low numbers each year so it doesn't accumulate," Williamson said.

He suggested removing the solids to be treated at another wastewater treatment plant, such as the Winchester Municipal plant. He said Winchester plant operator Chris Martin said they might be able to treat the extra if they know it's coming ahead of time.

The board approved Williamson's suggestion to remove 5-6 thousand gallons to get the system ready for the fall. He said the standard rate for transferring the material would be about 14¢ per gallon.

"Everything is working great," Williamson said. "I'm impressed, it's a nice little plant. I don't see that you'll have any issues."

The board granted permission for Baker Principal Cindy Winkle to apply for a Title I Grant for the 2008-2009 school year. Winkle said the federal grant administered through the state office provided the school corporation with $407,966 in 2007-2008 and the amount will likely increase for the upcoming year.

"This year we hope to use the money to add a teacher position and a half," Winkle said, "to help with group intensive remediation."

She said the new teaching positions will be shared by the corporation's three elementary schools.

The board approved hiring Dennis Brown as a maintenance worker. Brown would work an eight hour day at $16.94 an hour.

"I don't have a problem with the applicant," Cox said. "What are we expecting this person to do? We need to have a way to solve all of the problems are buildings are in. I would like to see the other applications we received."

Cox asked how they reached the suggested pay rate.

Wray said the pay rate was set according to the non-certified employee handbook. It is 20 percent below the regular salary set for that position for a probationary initial employment period.

"For my past eight years on the board I have fought to get another maintenance man on staff to do more building maintenance in-house," Prescott said. "Maybe things are starting to change for the better."

Hawkins said Brown does great work and he can't wait to see him get started working for the school corporation.

In other business:

€ The board approved a $2.6 million tax anticipation loan from First Merchants Bank. The money must be borrowed to make up for a late tax draw from the state. The loan, at an interest rate of 2.85 percent, must be paid back by Dec. 31 of this year.

€ In a report on the progress of the new roof at Winchester Community High School Superintendent Wray said contracts for the work have been signed.

"By the end of July, we will advertise the project and let it for bids," Wray said. "As soon as the bids are approved, hopefully by the end of July, they will begin work on the roof."

€ Newly elected board member Dallas Osting and reelected board member Linda Wager were administered their oaths of office for the upcoming term.

€ The board presented a plaque of appreciation for outgoing board member Troy Prescott's eight years of dedicated service to the school corporation.