Tuesday, June 26th, 2007
New Celina High principal expected to bring new vision
By Janie Southard
Celina City Schools board of education named Jason Luebke as new high school principal at Monday night's board meeting.
He replaces former Principal Curt Shellabarger, who recently accepted the new position of district director of curriculum.
Luebke, a 1997 Celina graduate, is a graduate of the University of Toledo. He spent the past three years at the local high school teaching math and last year serving as dean of students. Prior to Celina, he taught at Maumee High School (2001-2004) in Maumee and for one year at Springfield High School in Holland.
"This (position) has been a career goal of mine. I'm excited to lead a high school of hard working and quality students," Luebke said following the meeting.
He added that many of the teachers still at the high school were there when he was a student. When asked who was his favorite teacher, he replied it was "probably John Roth," recently retired Latin teacher. "Who doesn't love Mr. Roth?" he wondered.
Superintendent Matt Miller said he's impressed with Luebke's administrative vision for the high school. "He has the make-up in intangibles that you look for in administrators," he said.
Miller said there are still four positions in the district to be filled before the school year begins: dean of students, special ed teacher, high school science teacher and opportunity teacher for the alternative program at the Franklin Building in Montezuma.
There were no bidders at the Tri Star house auction last week. District Treasurer Mike Marbaugh said "we'll continue to try to sell it ourselves for the time being."
The minimum required is $205,000, and the district will pay 21/2 percent to any realtor bringing in a successful buyer. The house is at 1209 Jill Ave., Celina.
"If we still haven't sold it later this fall, we may want to list it with a realtor," Marbaugh said.
Work on the high school entrances is nearing completion, according to Business Manager Mike McKirnan. The ceiling at the front entrance is being constructed this week and flooring in that area is next on the list.
"We finished painting all 1,366 lockers at the high school. They were last painted in 1998 ... We used a clear coat on top of the new paint and hopefully they'll be good for more than nine years this time," McKirnan told board members.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss employment, dismissal and discipline of an employee. No action was taken following the session, and Miller had no comment this morning on the session.
