Vice Principal Mr. Jeff Griffith was hired as middle school principal on May 4. This position change was prompted by the leave of Dr. Ryan Smith. After Smith moved to Franklin Regional, the middle school had several interim principals, such as Mr. William Deal, before the school board decided and voted on Griffith as a long-term replacement.
With nothing set in the high school, the vice principal position is left unfilled. This comes after many administration changes during the last school year. Just as students were seeming to adjust, the administration changed once again. It is still unclear as of now, whether Griffith’s replacement will come from within the district or outside. With few school board meetings left in the remainder of the school year, Griffith’s replacement won’t be finalized until the summer or the beginning of next school year.
While only being vice principal for one full school year, Griffith made many connections with both staff and students. Though a year is a relatively short time, the memories he made with students will last a lifetime, something that is invaluable.
“I’m gonna miss him in the high school for sure, but the middle school has gained a great principal. I hope he will be happy with his new position,” senior Kyler Brown said.
In his position as vice principal, Griffith had to be a team player and work well with his colleagues, something that won’t change with his new position. Though students always saw and interacted with Griffith in the hallways, he made even deeper connections with the people he worked with.
“I enjoyed working with Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith is very willing to listen to others and try to understand their viewpoints. He always does his best to make sure all situations are handled fairly. He will be missed at the high school but the middle school is very fortunate to have gained him as a new principal,” Ms. Carrie Tuszynski said.
Even though he won’t be far from the high school, the staff and students will miss his presence in the halls. He carried other hats as well, vice principal aside, Griffith also spent several years as the boys’ head basketball coach.
“He was a tough coach if you mess up because he wants the best for his players and students. He helps you improve and is a really nice guy,” sophomore Johnathon Hein said.
Using the experience he gained at the high school, Griffith is sure to make a great principal for the middle school. However, he will be missed at the high school by staff members and students who he made lasting friendships and connections with.