Hillsboro School District Superintendent Mike Scott has announced the selection of Matthew Smith, current principal of Agua Fria High School in Avondale, Arizona, for the position of Hillsboro High School (Hilhi) principal beginning with the 2010-11 school year.
“After an extensive interview and reference-checking process that included site visits to each of the finalists’ current schools, I am pleased to announce our selection of Matt Smith for the position of Hilhi principal,” Superintendent Scott said. “Matthew is an impressive educator whose passion for high achievement for all students is evident.”
Under his leadership, Agua Fria High School, a highly diverse school with 1,600 students has achieved both a ‘Highly Performing’ label from the Arizona Department of Education and a ‘Met AYP’ status with the U.S. Department of Education.
Superintendent Scott also announced the selection of two District administrators to serve in new positions beginning in 2010-11.The administrative changes will not result in an increase in administrative positions.
Dave Parker, current principal of South Meadows Middle School, has been selected to serve as the fourth executive director in the Office for School Performance—a position that went unfilled this year due to budget constraints.
Casey Waletich, who currently serves as an administrator in the District’s Human Resources Department, will serve as the District’s Operations Coordinator. The new position combines the duties of the District Safety and Energy Coordinator, which will be eliminated, with responsibilities coordinating District activities and athletics.
The District made the decision to fill the Executive Director of School Improvement position instead of an open administrative position in Special Programs, created by Scott Schinderle’s promotion to the department’s executive director post. Mr. Parker has held a variety of teaching and administrative positions in the Hillsboro School District since the beginning of his career in 1990.
“As a leader, Dave Parker connects with both students and staff in a way that encourages everyone to work together for desired outcomes; and as an analytical thinker, he has a true ability to see an issue from all angles, come up with a logical solution, and see it through to implementation. Dave will be an excellent complement to the OSP team,” Superintendent Mike Scott said.
“In addition, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Waletich for the position of Operations Coordinator. With experience and demonstrated excellence spanning all areas of the position, I am confident that Casey will excel in his new role,” Superintendent Mike Scott said.
Additional results of the administrative changes, The position of safety and energy coordinator will be eliminated. Currently, this position is held by Dan Hall. “We thank Dan for the work he has done for us over the years and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Superintendent Scott said.
Casey Waletich’s move to a new position creates an administrative opening in Human Resources. That position is currently open to internal and external applicants.The principal position at South Meadows Middle School is currently open to internal and external applicants.