Menu
Sigworth to resign from GCSC board
Having been appointed to the board in a time of upheaval, a Greencastle Community School Board member is set to leave the board this month with the local school corporation in a much calmer place than it was in 2012.
Board member Denise Sigworth announced her resignation from the school board in a recent letter to board president Mike White.
The resignation will take effect on Monday, Jan. 22, the date of the next school board meeting. Her second term was set to expire June 30, 2020.
While not spelling out the exact reason for her early departure, Sigworth’s resignation letter made it clear that it has to do with a positive change for her and husband Jeff.
“Jeff and I have been presented with an opportunity that will not allow me to fulfill the remainder of my current obligation to the board,” Sigworth wrote.
Saying the resignation comes “with a heavy heart,” Sigworth praised her fellow board members.
“It has been a great pleasure to be a member of the Greencastle Community School Board,” she wrote. “I have great enjoyed working with the current board and with the former members.”
Taking over Greencastle City Council-appointed position from former school board president Bruce Stinebrickner in July 2012, Sigworth was part of big decision in her very first meeting on July 2, 2012.
At that meeting, the board fired corporation CFO Clayton Slaughter after he failed to deposit more than $3 million worth of corporation checks.
The sailing didn’t immediately get smoother as the departure of Greencastle High School Principal Jennifer Shepherd and GCSC Superintendent followed before the end of 2012.
Afterward, though, it has been smoother
sailing. The successful hires of both Dawn Puckett and later Jeff Hubble as superintendents, as well as the hiring of Russ Hesler as principal made for positive changes in the corporation.
Additionally, Sigworth spent two years as board president from July 2015 through June 2017.
“Denise was one of the most dedicated board members that I have served with in my 6-1/2 years,” White told the Banner Graphic. “She was one of the most caring and compassionate board members that I have ever worked with. Tireless — was always willing to do whatever it took to make sure things were done correctly.
“Most importantly, she will be very missed by the rest of the board and we wish her well.”
Now, for White and the rest of the board, the responsibility turns to appointing her replacement. Although the city council will appoint someone to take over in July 2020, the school board itself will appoint Sigworth’s replacement for now.
The board has 30 days to fill the position after Sigworth vacates it on Jan. 22, so White is hoping for applications before the next board meeting.
Interested applicants should email their letters of interest and resumés to Greencastle Schools Central Office, C/O President Mike White, 1002 Mill Pond Lane, Greencastle, IN 46135.
The letters should be received by Feb. 1.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and reside within the city of Greencastle.
The regular monthly meeting on Feb. 28 falls outside of the 30-day requirement, so board will plan at least one special meeting earlier in February during which it will interview applicants and appoint a new member.
All of these proceedings will be open to the public.
Any interested and qualified city residents are encouraged to apply.