Troy Burgess named as South Putnam athletic director
As the South Putnam School Corporation continues to prepare for the upcoming school year, many changes are already occurring.
Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt came before the school board Monday evening during a special meeting to discuss several personnel issues, including seeking approval on the resignation of Athletic Director Ken Schnepp.
Schnepp came to South Putnam High School in 2013 from the Brownsburg School Corporation, where he was previously the part-time assistant principal at the elementary school as well as a department head for the school corporation's world languages program.
With his resignation receiving approval, Schnepp will once again return to the Brownsburg School Corporation.
"Ken Schnepp did a great job for us for the year he was with us," Principal Kieth Puckett said. "We wish him all the best and we thank him for the time he was with us and what he did for us."
With Schnepp's departure, former South Putnam varsity football and basketball head coach turned assistant principal; Troy Burgess will be stepping into the role of athletic director.
"Troy Burgess is a Division 1 college athlete and an accomplished coach and has a love for athletics," Puckett explained. "When the position came open I think Troy realized maybe he wasn't through with the sports world and he asked to go over there. We're lucky to have him. He'll do a great job."
Burgess previously resigned as football coach after eight seasons and 50 victories along with leading the Eagles to a 26-39 record during his two seasons as the head of the basketball program, stating he wanted more time to focus on his family.
The board also approved the hiring of Todd Gowen to fill the vacant position left by Burgess.
Gowen, an Anderson native, received his undergraduate degree at Ball State University and a Masters of Administration from Indiana State University.
"We're just truly fortunate to have Todd Gowen, someone's who's been a principal at two different buildings, to come in as our assistant principal," Puckett explained. "He's going to bring his expertise especially with technology and special education. Those are not my strengths and you always look for complimentary skills so, I'm really anxious for Todd to be here."
Gowen began his teaching career at the Cascade School Corporation in 1999. Quickly moving up the ladder from teacher, athletic director, assistant principal to principal in just over five years.
After spending more than 12 years at Cascade, Gowen then spent two years at Triton Central High School as principal before taking a role as a special education instructor at Triton Middle School.
"There's so many things I'm excited about, but I'm really excited about the culture," Gowen said. "Mr. Puckett and I have been close for about 22 years. He and I think a lot alike about leadership and educating kids. I'm excited to keep South Putnam as a four star school for years to come."
The board also approved the hiring of Shaun Alspaugh as a middle school/high school teacher.