Whitko school board appoints Catherine Longenbaugh as Whitko High School principal

The Whitko Community School Corporation board on July 28 approved the appointment of Catherine Longenbaugh as principal of Whitko High School during a special meeting called at 4:30 p.m.

Longenbaugh’s appointment (agenda item 4.1) was moved, seconded and passed by a voice vote after the board chair called for the question. No members of the public had signed up to speak on agenda items.

Catherine Longenbaugh, the appointee, told the board she was “super excited to be back,” saying Whitko ‘‘gave me my beginning back in 1994’’ and that she spent 18 years at Whitko High School teaching psychology, sociology and U.S. history. “Those 18 years were the most amazing 18 years of my educational career,” she said, and added she looks forward to building on what the school is already doing for students and staff.

The superintendent welcomed Longenbaugh back, praised her “energy” and “enthusiasm,” and thanked board members for attending what the superintendent described as a short, last-minute meeting to vote on the appointment. The superintendent said the selection will be ‘‘great for our students and staff’’ and expressed appreciation for the board’s support.

The board also used the meeting to announce several upcoming events: an addition and renovation dedication and tour on Monday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m.; back-to-school open houses (Whitko Early Learning Academy 4:30–5:30 p.m.; other buildings 5:30–6:30 p.m.); a work session scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.; and that students return to class on Thursday, Aug. 14. The board’s next regular meeting was announced for Monday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

The special meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was seconded and approved by voice vote.