Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Berlin Area School board approves new middle school principal and director of curriculum
Summary
The Berlin Area School District board unanimously approved Samantha Behnke as the new middle school principal and Courtney Athorp as director of curriculum and instruction; both appointments were presented by district leadership and approved by voice vote.
The Berlin Area School District board on April 2 approved two administrative appointments: Samantha Behnke as the district's new middle school principal and Courtney Athorp as director of curriculum and instruction.
Superintendent (speaking as S3) introduced Samantha Behnke, reading a biographical summary that cited her experience in instructional leadership, curriculum development and prior roles in Ripon and Oshkosh-area districts. Behnke, who the superintendent said is licensed as a principal and director of instruction, told the board, "Everyone has been super welcoming ... Our family and I are excited to join the community." She told the board she will begin in the role on July 1.
The board moved to approve Behnke's appointment; Chair (S2) called for the motion and the board approved by voice vote. The superintendent said Behnke will begin some transition work this spring to support hiring and scheduling decisions before her official start date.
The superintendent also introduced Courtney Athorp (pronounced "A-thorp" in the presentation), a curriculum and instructional leader described as having 24 years of experience and recent roles in the Sheboygan Area School District; Athorp was not present because she is on spring break. The superintendent said Athorp has a master's degree in curriculum instruction and administrative leadership and has served as an instructional coach and dean of students. Board member S6 moved to approve Athorp's appointment; S7 seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
No roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript; both approvals were completed by voice vote and noted as "motion carried." The superintendent said decisions about the director's office location were still being finalized but suggested it will likely be housed in the middle/high school area to align directors closer to the majority of students.
The board offered brief welcomes and congratulations to both appointees and moved on to the next agenda items.
