With only days remaining until students return to class, the Blue Ridge school board hired a superintendent at a meeting held Monday night.
Robert McTiernan, Lake Winola, was hired by the board to fill the position that has been vacant since the retirement of Chris Dyer on June 30.
The newly hired superintendent said, “It’s going to be a challenge to hit the ground running.”
With plans for the 2010-11 school year already in place, McTiernan said he would be working to fit in with those plans and acknowledged the “near vertical learning curve” of starting in his new position at the beginning of the school term.
“My goal is to maintain the district’s success while getting to know the people here,” said McTiernan. “We’re all going to be starting our relationship on a work day.”
Most recently, McTiernan has worked as an administrator in the Scranton School District, holding positions in the middle school, high school and central office.
Prior to working in administration, McTiernan was a high school biology teacher in the Wayne Highlands School District. He also coached wrestling and football.
He said Blue Ridge felt like a “good fit” for him, reminding him of the district where he spent his teaching career. “I’m so excited to be here,” McTiernan said.
Board president Alan Hall announced an executive session was held prior to the meeting. Hall said the closed session was held to discuss legal issues regarding Schedule B positions. Coaching and cub and activity advisers are designated as Schedule B paid positions.
The board did away with those positions added since the 2005 contract with the union was negotiated. In reverting back to the 2005 contract, some positions were also added back into the position list.
Activity and club positions created since 2005 and now pulled include: Robotics Club Adviser; Keyboard Accompanist; Elementary Ski Club; Game Manager; Professional Rate; Diversity Club Adviser; Geocaching Adviser; Art Club Adviser; and Library Book Club Adviser.
Positions for both 7th and 8th grade soccer were also removed from Schedule B but the position reverted to that of Jr. High Soccer Coach – as it was in the 2005 contract.
Also added back to Schedule B were adviser positions for a Forensic Team and a Math Club.
The board meets again on Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
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