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Monday, 05 January 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
Elementary students at Waynesfield-Goshen Schools might be surprised today to see a familiar face sitting in the principal’s office.
Starting today, former Waynesfield-Goshen third-grade math teacher Tim Pence assumed the responsibilities of school principal, a position he says he is looking forward to starting with the coming of the new year.
“I am very excited to start as the principal and begin working with the members of the school district in my new position,” Pence said. “Although I have not yet signed a contract making my position permanent due to the holidays, I expect to do so this coming week since school will be back in session.”
For the past eight years, Pence has taught third grade, with classes departmentalized for the past several years where he has concentrated on teaching math.
“For the 2008-2009 school year, I have also taught elementary computer classes to students in kindergarten up through fifth grade,” Pence said.
Pence was selected among four applicants to receive the principal position Dec. 18, following an extensive interview process held by the Waynesfield-Goshen staff and administration, community and the board of education.
“Overall we had a total of four candidates both inside and outside the school system who expressed an interest in the position that we posted internally within the district,” Waynesfield-Goshen Superintendent Earnie Jones said. “After narrowing it down to two individuals, we selected Tim for the job because we felt he was the applicant who best stood out from the rest, having experience in teaching and being not only involved, but supportive and influential in the school improvement process of each child’s education.”
When asked why he thought he was selected for the position, Pence said that he believes he had a few aspects in his favor.
“My eight years of experience as an elementary teacher a W-G, and the amount of experience I have had working with the district report card data were two factors that I believe put me in a favorable position to become the new elementary principal,” Pence said.
Pence said he feels honored to serve as the new elementary school principal, and has many goals for 2009 he would like to accomplish in carrying out his position.
“I look forward to working with the community and staff to continue the improvement efforts that are already underway,” Pence said. “In 2009, I look forward to becoming familiar with my new position and the duties that come along with it.
“I know there are going to be new challenges that I will face and I am excited to work with the Waynesfield community and W-G staff and students to overcome obstacles that may stand in our way,” he said. “My focus will be on developing ideas that will continue to improve the way students learn in our district.”
In accepting the position, Pence said he is aware of the big shoes he will need to try and fill -- those belonging to former Elementary Principal Edee Marshall, who announced her retirement to the school board in November.
“Edee will be difficult to replace,” Pence said. “She did an excellent job of serving the district for many years. Mrs. Marshall set a precedence for what the elementary principal will be expected to do each day, and I was lucky enough to learn first-hand from her what the job requires. I will do my best to continue with her efforts, and I hope that I will be able to bring new ideas to the district that will add to the education provided by our school district.”
Pence said he believes he has several things to offer the Waynesfield-Goshen students, staff and community as the new elementary principal.
“I have been a resident of Waynesfield for my entire life so I offer a familiarity with the community, staff and students of the district,” Pence said.”As a resident of the district, I will be available to listen to questions and concerns of the community, staff and students when they arise.”
While he believes Marshall was a tremendous asset to Waynesfield-Goshen Schools, Jones said Pence brings an incredible energy with him as principal.
“I think Tim is a great match for the position because he cares so much about his students as really loves his work as an educator, which are two big things we were looking for in an applicant.” Jones said. “I have total faith in him — not only does he work closely with other staff here at W-G, but he is open with the community as well. “He takes pride in his own work, has a tremendous energy level,” he said, “and he is very interested in contributing in the improvements of the elementary school’s primary goals and the student’s educations, which is what the Waynesfield-Goshen school district is all about.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 06 January 2009 )
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