Neoga Board Hires Building Principals for Next Year

The Neoga school board has filled its administrative positions for next year.

(KEVIN HAARMAN)

Board members Thursday hired Kevin Haarman as junior-senior high school principal and Denise Helmers as elementary principal.

Haarman, a former teacher and coach at Neoga, is wrapping up his fifth school year as principal at Dieterich High School. He brings with him 13 years of experience in secondary curriculum and instructional leadership. Haarman earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree and his Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University.

(DENISE HELMERS)

As for Helmers, a release from the Neoga district indicates she has "extensive experience and success leading Professional Learning Community work in schools, as well as a strong background in special education law and best literacy practices." She is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University.

The hirings follow the Neoga board's earlier promotion of junior-senior high school principal Ben Johnson to superintendent for next year. Carol Smith is retiring this year as elementary school principal.