Gravette principal is hired in Decatur

Wilbur
Wilbur

— Mitch Wilber, former Gravette Middle School Principal, was hired as Decatur’s federal programs coordinator and academic coach during Monday’s school board meeting.

Wilber, who will be replacing Dawn Stewart, has 21 years of experience as a principal in the Gravette School District and 30 years of experience in the district as a whole.

Wilber’s salary was set at $77,800, at the same level as the district’s principals. Federal funds will pay for 85 percent of the salary, and 15 percent, or about $12,000, will be paid out of the school’s operating fund, Ben said.

Wilber’s hire was among a number of staffing changes approved at the June 20 meeting. The board accepted seven resignations and approved seven new hires.

Resignations were accepted for gifted and talented teacher Andrea Vansandt, Spanish teacher Monica Smith, elementary school counselor Maolina Yang, middle school teacher Tracy Campbell, federal programs coordinator Dawn Stewart, high school biology teacher Audrey Duncan and elementary school teacher Kayla Ellison.

Positions filled during the June 20 meeting include three elementary school teachers, a high school biology teacher, chemistry teacher and Spanish teacher.

Elementary teacher Jennifer Kinder was transferred to a position as English as a second language coordinator.

According to the school Web site, six certified positions - including a guidance counselor, basketball coach, football coach, gifted and talented teacher and librarian - and one classified position for high school secretary remain open.

News, Pages 5 on 06/29/2011