Familiar faces in new places for New Philadelphia City Schools new year
by Jennifer Kneuss
August 5, 2013
368
Summary: The New Philadelphia City School district looks to a new school with changes in key leadership roles, as the assistant superintendent and high school and middle school principal positions will have new yet familiar faces.
New school years inevitably bring many new changes, whether it is a fresh coat of paint in the hallways, a different way of scheduling for classes, or new faces in charge. For New Philadelphia City Schools, there will definitely be different, although not new, faces at the helm at the middle school and high school buildings, and also in the assistant superintendant position.
Superintendent Bob Alsept and the New Philadelphia Board of Education have decided to fill vacancies in three key positions by hiring current and former staff members. Assistant Superintendent Deb Kennedy has left her position in order to work in North Canton Schools, a district much closer to her home, for the remainder of her time until her late 2013 retirement. To fill that slot, the decision has been made for New Philadelphia High School principal Dr. Doug Baker to be hired as the new assistant superintendent. The void left by Bakers leaving will be filled by Welty Middle School principal Eric Jurkovic. Jurkovic takes over the oversight of the high school students. Amy Wentworth, a former New Philadelphia gifted education coordinator who has recently been a principal in the Southeast School District, will be rejoining New Phila as she moves into Jurkovics slot.
Baker brings more than 25 years of school experience into his new role. He also has been part of the adjunct teaching staff at Kent State Tuscarawas for more than 15 years.
The main goal that I have as I move into the position of assistant superintendent is to align our curriculum with the new Ohio Core Curriculum and the Ohio Revised Standards, said Baker. My hopes for the future students at New Philadelphia City Schools is to develop a sense of being excited about learning and to provide the necessary skills to become lifelong learners. In our fast changing world; the development of skills designed to continue to learn, and to become excited and curious about learning new things will enhance our students opportunities for success throughout their lives.
He sees ongoing funding issues as playing a critical role for the district.
Funding necessary programs is always a challenge for schools. In addition, our staff will be challenged with ongoing professional development to stay current with new expectations in the field. Despite the challenges that our district will face, it is an exciting time to be in education.
Jurkovich has 15 years of experience in education. My first goal would be to stay afloat, as a lot more responsibility comes with being the high school principal. I want to continue the tradition of high expectation in regards to academics, continue the integration of AP classes as needed, and move the high school into the 21st Century in regards to the use of technology in the building. My hope is that we continue to inspire the students of NPHS to exceed their expectations and work hard. We always want to produce well rounded individuals that will be prepared to move on into the next step of their life, whether it is college or directly to an occupation.
Wentworth brings 11 years in education to her new role as Welty Middle School principal.
My primary goal is to continue the tradition of Achievement, Excellence, and Success that Welty Middle School has established. It is also important that students feel safe and secure at school, and I want to continue to provide support to students and staff related to the topic of bullying, she stated. My goal is that all students will be provided with appropriate academic challenges and support in order to achieve at their highest potential. Every student, every day, should learn something. It is our job to help make that happen. Teaching students to think critically is one key in preparing them for the future.
"I am glad for the familiar faces in new places, said Alsept. We are fortunate to put such good people in these positions.
