With Oregon-Davis School Superintendent Dr. Don Harman preparing to take a new position elsewhere, the school board is bringing in some help to find a new superintendent and keep the school corporation running in the meantime.
Jim Dermody was hired to serve as an educational consultant during a special meeting last week. School Board President Annette Ferch explained that Dermody will be paid $60 an hour for his services. “Dr. Harman has taken a job with [the Northern Indiana Educational Services Center],” Ferch explained, “and now we need someone to guide and assist us to procure a superintendent as well as possibly mentor one if needed and to do required duties.”
Harman will continue to be available to help Dermody with the transition until he formally steps down at the end of June, according to Corporation Attorney Bill Kaminski.
For now, Dermody will begin coordinating with Elementary School Principal Bill Bennett and incoming Junior/Senior High School Principal B.J. Awald. He’ll also work with Kaminski to put together a timeline for the superintendent search. Meanwhile, the school board switched its authorization to make emergency decisions during the COVID-19 emergency from Harman to Dermody.
Dermody is no stranger to Oregon-Davis. He served as interim superintendent prior to Dr. Harman’s arrival in 2016. He held the same position at Knox Community Schools the following year. Dermody thanked the school board for its support and confidence and promised to put the safety of the students, staff, and community first.
Dr. Harman’s resignation will officially be up for the board’s approval during tonight’s regular meeting. Board members will also consider appointing Awald as acting principal through June 30.
