Teutopolis Board Hires New Grade School Principal

The Teutopolis Board of Education Monday hired its next grade school principal.

The Board hired Sherry Harmon, effective July 1, to succeed the retiring Angie Sheehan. Harmon is currently the grade school principal at Brownstown.

(SHERRY HARMON)

In accepting the position, Harmon said, "I am humbled and honored to be chosen for this position. I started my education career at Teutopolis, and I am so excited to be part of this amazing team again! I look forward to working with school staff, students, families, other building principals, Mr. Sturgeon, the Board of Education, and a wonderful community to contribute to the high expectations T-town is known for throughout the years. I am appreciative of my past career opportunities, most recently as the principal at Brownstown Elementary, which have helped prepare me for this fantastic opportunity. I am very excited to build new relationships with all stakeholders and rekindle past relationships in the Teutopolis Community!"

Teutopolis board members also hired Jordan Thoele as an upper elementary grade teacher for the coming school year. Thoele's hiring is an additional position, due to increased enrollment. 

Two coaching spots were filled; Jake Burrell as volunteer assistant fresh-soph baseball coach and Mike Vogt as volunteer assistant boys tennis coach.

The Board also accepted the resignation of Myra Pruemer as part-time bookkeeper, as of April 17.

Also Monday, the Teutopolis board heard from T.J. Hardiek and Brent McMahon, who have become aware of bleacher seats that could be installed at Wooden Shoe Field, the Teutopolis High School baseball diamond. The seats would cost roughly $4,000. The Board showed interest, but wondered about the cost of the bases on which the seats would be attached. Hardiek and McMahon will check on prices, then report back.

Board members agreed to pay district staff members their regular rate of pay during the Act of God days used during the COVID-19 episode; approved an amended calendar for this school year with May 26 as the final day for students, a half-day, with staff staying the full day; discussed next school year's calendar with no final decision reached; approved four Diversified Occupations student participants for next school year; renewed membership in the IHSA for next school year; approved the summer library program pending the start of the new school year; and extended the contracts of two high school guidance counselors.

Teutopolis board members discussed progress on Phase II of the high school project, with progress awaiting completion of the relocation of the band room so asbestos abatement work can be completed; and heard that Kindergarten enrollment is up to 81 students, meaning four classes will be needed.