MV: 'great people to meet great challenges'
By CYNTHIA AUKERMAN
News-Gazette reporter
Mississinawa Valley has two new principals, but neither one of them is exactly new to the area. And both of of them are veteran educators.
Elementary principal Stephanie Klingshirn lives near Rossburg, Ohio, just outside of the MV school district. A graduate of Ohio State and the University of Dayton, she taught five years, including one year at MV, before moving into administration. This year will be her 10th year in administration. She most recently was primary school principal with the Piqua City Schools.
Jeff Winchester, high school principal, will be in his fifth year as an administrator. He most recently was principal at Union High School in Randolph County. He and his family are living in Greenville, Ohio.
Winchester said, "There are tremendous opportunities here at MV. The faculty and staff are fantastic and have been very welcoming. We are excited about the future."
The new principal is quick to acknowledge that MV has "some work to do to meet state standards."
He explained, "We have to do an effective job of teaching all students. We have to reach out to all students and their families. Rome wasn't built in a day, so we are going to build on a foundation."
Klingshirn said, "We have great people here to meet great challenges."
At the elementary, MV's student scores on the state exams have continued to improve over the years.
Klingshirn said, "Dr. Wendel has done a fantastic job over her 18 years."
Karen Wendel moved from the elementary principal's position to MV's superintendent this year.
Both Klingshirn and Winchester said Wendel had been fantastic to work with and is a valuable source of information and continuity.
Both new principals have received a warm welcome from teachers and staff members and the few students they have met to date.
Klingshirn said, "If the students are anything like the staff and parents we have met, this will be a great year."
MV students and teachers will be starting their sixth year in their facility, and Winchester is impressed by the building's quality.
He said, "It's a beautiful facility, and it still looks brand new. That's a real tribute to our maintenance and custodian staff. They do a great job."
The elementary will have two new teachers: Susan Clack, first grade; and Megan Coatney, part-time teacher in the gifted program. The junior/senior high school will have four new teachers: Brittany Force, science; Ryan McGlothlin, social studies; Michelle Van Vleet, English language arts; and Jason McClain, career-based intervention.
MV will have an open house 2-5 p.m., Friday, August 22 for students and parents to meet teachers and administrators. The first day of school for MV students is Monday, August 25.
