Southridge High School principal offered Southwest School Corp Superintendent position

Huntingburg — The Southwest Dubois County School Board voted to offer the superintendent position to current Southridge High School Principal Mike Eineman.

Eineman stated in an interview this morning that he accepted the school board’s offer, he will replace Superintendent Terry Enlow. Enlow announced he plans to retire upon the completion of the renovation project. That work is drawing to a close and a dedication is scheduled for April 14. Enlow’s stated his final day will be April 12.

Board President Kevin Wertman told the nearly 20 people attending that the meeting was public but contrary to rumors the public was not entitled to commentary during the meeting. Wertman then stated he would give two individuals attending one minute each to make comments.

Huntingburg Elementary Second Grade Teacher Karen Snyder spoke first. She stated Huntingburg Elementary had improved to an “A” school rating and the teachers and administrators had improved as well. “I just want to see that continue onward and upward.”

Susan Partenheimer, the Elementary School Guidance Counselor, stated, “I am newly hired to the Huntingburg Elementary staff. I am retired from 35 and a half years with the EVSC (Evansville School Corporation),” she said. “That was a fulfilling career, but I have to say that the professionalism and dedication I have seen out of the Huntingburg Elementary staff and school corporation goes unmatched. I applaud you for your efforts.”

With that Wertman made the motion to offer Eineman the position to replace Terry Enlow as the corporation superintendent. The vote was split 3 to 2 with the go-ahead votes from board members Michael Broeker, Chris Neu and Kevin Wertman. Board members Shannon Hildebranski and Jerome Buening voted no.

Immediately after the vote, several (5 or 6) of those in attendance abruptly left the meeting room.

Wertman stated he felt that among the candidates they had interviewed, Eineman was a good choice and the majority of board approved. “Obviously it was a split vote but everybody’s opinion is important,” Wertman said.

Board member Hildebranski stated she felt there was a more appropriately qualified candidate for the position but she looked forward to working with Eineman and supporting his efforts.

Board member Chris Neu stated Eineman’s qualifications and experience as the principal at Southridge for the past ten years were benefits to the corporation. “He’s been a principal for over a decade, and he’s done a fine job. We need to get behind and support him.”

Eineman did not attend the Thursday night meeting, but the board expects Eineman will accept the position. Eineman will need to begin working towards taking the reins from Superintendent Terry Enlow, who has stated he will retire April 12. Eineman is expected to prepare the 2014 budget for presentation on July 1.

The board has not named anyone to replace Eineman as principal at Southridge High School, but an interim principal will likely be appointed when Eineman begins the process of replacing Enlow.

Enlow was not available for comment at the meeting as he did not attend and was unable to be reached Thursday night.