Flint Township View

CAHS has a new principal





FLINT TWP. — Students returning to Carman-Ainsworth High School next month will find a new face in the principal’s office but it will be a familiar one.

Among several administrative changes for Carman-Ainsworth High School, Principal Rory Mattar is retiring and Deborah Davis has been appointed as interim principal for the 2014-15 school year.

Davis has been a teacher, department chair, and assistant principal at CAHS, prior to taking on her most recent central office role as the District Data and Technology Coordinator, said Superintendent Steve Tunnicliff, in a letter to staff about the leadership transition.

“We are fortunate to have a number of strong, proven administrators at Carman- Ainsworth capable of filling this role. However, by returning Debbie to CAHS, we are able to provide consistent leadership within the administrative team, without directly impacting any other building,’’ he said.

Tunnicliff, a former CAHS principal himself, said the role is among the most visible and important leadership positions in any school district and one to be filled after a comprehensive search and interview process. “I do not believe we can do justice to such a process, while still meeting the very immediate and demanding needs of starting school,” he said.

Davis interim appointment is made with clear understanding the Principal position will be posted in April 2015 to begin the search and selection process.

Meanwhile, instead of replacing Davis’ Central Office administrative position, the district will post a combined position of Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at CAHS, following the normal posting, interview and selection process. The person selected for this position will provide additional support to CAHS in their role as Assistant Principal, but will also work under the guidance of Bob Root as Athletic Director this year, in preparation for serving as an assistant principal and leading the entire athletic department beginning in 2015-16.

Tunnicliff said he has chosen this path to provide stable leadership at the building level, provide a succession plan for the athletic department, and ensure that a thorough vetting process take place for hiring the next Carman-Ainsworth High School Principal.

As for Mattar, after 13 years with the district, beginning as a basketball coach, he has submitted his retirement letter, effective Aug. 20.

Mattar has accepted an administrative position at Powers Catholic High School.

“He is a very religious man who believes strongly in the Parochial School System; is a product of that system; and is returning to his professional beginnings within that same system,” Tunnicliff said.

He expressed appreciation for Mattar’s dedication and leadership as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Carman- Ainsworth High School.

In other administrative changes, Dave Swierpel, C-A Director of Community Education retired in June but agreed to return to the district on a limited contracted basis, effective August 4, Tunnicliff said.

Swierpel will work primarily with communications, professional development and grant development/maintenance specifically around STEM. Most of his other duties will be handled by Eddie L. Kindle.


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