Zerkel to act as NP interim superintendent
BAINBRIDGE -- At a special meeting on Wednesday, the North Putnam School Board voted to appoint Alan Zerkel, the high school principal, to be the interim superintendent.
Zerkel will assume this position in addition to his current role.
The board also voted to approve Dan Noel, recently hired as the new North Putnam superintendent, to be a consultant for Zerkel and the school until his job officially begins on July 1.
Noel was approved to work 30 days between now and June 30, but said he will likely be more active than that.
Zerkel is certified to be a superintendent in Indiana, but says he is happy in his current position.
"I've always enjoyed working at the high school level," he said. "I enjoy working with kids. They keep you young."
The position opened when the previous superintendent, Dr. Mary Sugg Lovejoy, was removed from an active position last Friday. Lovejoy was previously expected to work until June 30.
"My main job is still going to be as the high school principal," Zerkel said. "I think we found that, on a day-to-day basis, a lot of questions come up. 'Can we do this; can we do that?' and I think it helps to have a central person to go to."
Zerkel said his duties will primarily involve representing the school at county meetings and assisting the board with decisions and information.
"I'm not assuming a superintendent role," he said. "I'm helping out."
Noel, who has been traveling back and forth throughout the past week, expects that to continue. He said he speaks with Zerkel every other day, if not more.
"This corporation is very fortunate to have a man like him," Noel said. "He has confidence, respect and does a great job."
Noel also said he is excited to get started, and hopes to initiate some of his ideas at the next board meeting, which is May 17 at the North Putnam Middle School media center.
Noel is currently the principal at Switzerland County (Ind.) High School and will continue an active role there.