The North Judson-San Pierre Elementary and Jr.-Sr. High Schools will each have a Dean of Students starting in the 2018-2019 school year, following the school board’s approval of the two new personnel positions during their meeting Tuesday night.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin said that school board members, teachers, and administrators have been discussing staffing for the last several months. She said after speaking with faculty, she realized there were a few matters that were consistently brought up.
“There’s a common theme,” Zupin explained, “the attendance and minor discipline issues at both schools kind of slip through the cracks because we just don’t have somebody to handle those.”
Zupin said that many meaningful and positive discussions were held, considering potential positions that could address those concerns. School officials also took into consideration the fact that the corporation is in a much more stable financial position than it was in 2-years ago when major restructuring had to take place. After weighing various options, Zupin said they reached the conclusion to hire a Dean of Students for each building.
The Dean of Students for the Elementary School was an inside hire. Kindergarten Teacher Margaret Radkte will fill that position. She will work 180 days during the year, the same amount as a typical teacher.
However, due to the additional responsibilities associated with the double school format, the Dean of Students for the Jr.-Sr. High will work about 200 days during the year. Dr. Zupin said that position was filled by Cary McKay, an outside hire.
Dr. Zupin noted that neither position is administrative, meaning that the salary and benefits will be based on a teacher contract.
