Several personnel changes in store for new school year
Published July 27, 2005

By Frank M. Witowski Jr.
Chronicle staffwriter
It's that time of the year for students and teachers to go back to school after summer break. According to Dr. Patricia Ragsdale, director of schools, teachers report to Central Baptist Church at 9 a.m. Aug. 1 for their first day of in-service training for the new school year. On Aug. 3, students will report to their respective schools for an early dismissal day, leaving at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 will be the first full day of school for students. Ragsdale said the school supply lists for elementary school students are posted at Wal-Mart and Kmart.

There are several personnel changes ahead in the new school year.

"Having top quality people in the right positions will provide the best care and the most efficient programs for our students. We feel confident that next year (2005-'06 school year) will be our best year yet because of some of these changes and for many other reasons," Ragsdale said.

Wendell Wilson will be a new assistant principal at Cumberland County High School. He transferred from North Cumberland Elementary where he served as principal.

"I'm excited about being a part of CCHS. I'm looking forward to a great school year," said Wilson. Wilson previously served as a teacher at CCHS for seven years, and said he feels like he is returning home.

In addition, Rocky Zazzaro was appointed July 25 as a new assistant principal at CCHS. Zazzaro had served as the lead teacher at the alternative school. "I am excited to be back at the high school," Zazzaro said.

Pat Allen will be the new principal at North Cumberland Elementary. Transferring from Pine View, she is no stranger to North Cumberland Elementary, where she served 13 years in various positions from 1984-1995 and 1999 to 2001.

"It is an honor to be going to North Cumberland as principal. I am truly excited, anxious and ready to get started. It is like going home after being a staff member there for 13 years in the past. It will be a challenge that I will face with determination and understanding," Allen said.

Dr. Janet Brooker is transferring from CCHS as assistant principal to Pine View Elementary, where she will serve as principal.

"I'm excited about going to Pine View in the fall. The school has a wonderful reputation and I hope to help them to continue their excellent program," said Brooker.

Nancy Martin, who was slated to be principal at Martin Elementary for the 2005-'06 school year, recently resigned to resume her position as preschool supervisor in Putnam County. Rebecca Wood will be transferring to Martin Elementary from Pleasant Hill to replace Martin.

Wood said she would really miss Pleasant Hill Elementary as it was like a family to her.
"This (Pleasant Hill) student body, faculty and community accepted me without reservation. They stood behind me as I made changes, made some mistakes and made improvements. They will always have a place in my heart," said Wood.

She is looking forward to making new acquaintances at Martin Elementary.

"I am ready for new opportunities. I willingly and enthusiastically accepted the Martin position. I feel that Martin Elementary is ready to regroup as a team and progress forward. I hope to assist in this process by providing leadership and enthusiasm in this school. Just like a mother loves each of her children, I, too, can love more than one school," said Wood.

Mary Ann Kotus recently accepted the position as principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary. She formerly served as the assistant principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary.

"I am very excited about taking on the position as principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary. I look forward to continuing the programs that Ms. Wood implemented at PHS and I expect for all faculty, staff and students at PHS to have a successful school year," said Kotus.

"Our school system will benefit greatly from the promotion of these local candidates and I am looking forward to working with them in this capacity," said Ragsdale.

Returning for another school year at their respective schools are principals Danny Hassler (Brown Elementary), Roger Woody (Crab Orchard Elementary), Roger Eichelberger (CCHS), Aarona VanWinkle (Homestead Elementary), Janet Graham (Stone Elementary) and Darrell Threet (South Cumberland Elementary).