The former leader of the Gary and Griffith school systems is now the principal of North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School. Dr. Peter Morikis was officially hired by the school board Tuesday.
He says it’s a tremendous opportunity. “I really appreciate the board’s support. It’s a very nice, comfortable environment,” Morikis says. “Great learning takes place for kids. This is a tremendous administrative team with Mr. Orkis and Dr. Zupin and Mr. Tunis. It really is a really, really nice organization.”
Morikis previously served as the emergency manager of the Gary Community School Corporation, after 14 years as Griffith Public Schools superintendent.
He told the school board Tuesday that he’d long had a goal of being an elementary principal again when he was done being a superintendent, saying it’s fun interacting with the kids. Morikis noted that it’s shaping up to be an interesting year at North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School, with construction going on and classes split between two buildings.
He replaces Cary McCay, whose resignation was approved as part of the personnel report with no discussion or acknowledgment. That means both N.J.-S.P. schools are starting the year with new principals. Brian Orkis was hired to lead the junior/senior high school back in June.
Tuesday’s personnel report also included the retirement of Maintenance and Transportation Director Wilbur Collins. His last day will be September 10.
