By Imari Scarbrough
The Conewago Valley school board approved several administrative transfers and new hires during the board meeting Monday. The meeting was also the first for the new middle school principal and the last for the district’s assistant superintendent.
Matthew Muller, principal of New Oxford Middle School, provided his final report in that role. Muller has been preparing to take on a new job overseeing district safety while juggling his duties as principal. He will begin his new role on Monday.
“It’s been an honor and a humbling experience,” Muller said. “I certainly appreciate the trust that you have put in me for the last five years to run the building right there: 55 wonderful staff, 630 kids that I wouldn’t trade anything for. They’re good folks.”
Muller has been busily preparing for his new role overseeing district safety. He said the district will participate in safety and behavioral assessment audits next month.
Joshua Schaffer took over as the principal of New Oxford Middle School on Monday, replacing Muller.
Since it was Schaffer’s first day on the job, he told the board he had little to report, but he was eager to begin and thanked those involved in helping him settle into his new role.
“… It was great to be able to see teachers collaborate (and) get to meet some of them,” Schaffer said. “I’m very excited to meet many of our students tomorrow.”
The board approved hiring Schaffer during a meeting on Nov. 14.
Dr. Robert Walker, assistant superintendent for the district, delivered his last report.
Walker was hired in March 2022 and is leaving to become the next superintendent of Red Lion School District.
Walker thanked the board for its support during his time in Conewago Valley.
“It’s just a great community to be a part of,” Walker said. “It’s a very hard transition for me in some ways, but I assure you that your leadership and guidance and support as a school board is second to none… I hope to take my experiences in leadership and working with the board to future opportunities, but I want to thank you all for being a part of that and supporting me in our curriculum and all of the work that we do with that.”
He also expressed his gratitude to others in the district for their “guidance” and “mentorship.”
Dr. Brad Sterner was hired as the assistant superintendent to replace Walker. Sterner will begin early next month with a contract extending to June 30, 2026, according to the board agenda.
The board also approved three administrative transfers, all retroactive to Monday before the evening meeting was held.
John Beeman, former assistant principal of New Oxford Middle School, was moved to the same position at New Oxford High School, according to the agenda.
Drew Little, former assistant principal of New Oxford High School, was made principal of New Oxford High School Career and Technology Center.
Garry Himes, former principal of New Oxford High School Career and Technology Center, moved to become the assistant principal of New Oxford Middle School.
The board also approved multiple extracurricular contracts for percussion and colorguard instructors.
Contracts with several head and assistant coaches for baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, track, volleyball and soccer were also given the green light.
Superintendent Sharon Perry said the board will hold a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 23 following a board dinner. The board will review a presentation given by Crabtree and Rohrbaugh.
“There will be much for the board to chew on during that conversation, so we do look forward to sharing that information with you as well as the community at that time,” Perry said.
Perry also took the time to thank the board members for their efforts in recognition of School Director Recognition Month. She presented each board member with a certificate.
Groft said the board also appreciates the work by district employees.
“I think everyone here does try to do their best, and that’s the best we can do,” Groft said. “Everything that they tell us in their reports lifts everybody up and makes it sound good. I know they probably see some stories that they don’t want to come in here and tell, but at the same time, they know how to work things out.”
Recognition
The board recognized several students for athletic achievements.
Mackenzie Adams was noted for being named to the YAIAA Division I All-Star second team basketball while Megan Adams was given an honorable mention.
Idriz Ahmetovic was also applauded for being chosen as a defensive back for the football first team all-state.
Brennan Holmes, one of five students nominated as the Gettysburg Times Area Player of the Week for Jan. 9, was also named.
The board also recognized the achievement of Sydney Christner. Christner was named the New Oxford High School Rotary Student of the Month in December.
Multiple college acceptances and scholarships were also listed.
Lunch debt donation
Autumn Zaminsky, principal of Conewago Township Elementary School, said both her school and New Oxford Elementary School received a “generous donation” from Harvest Chapel in Abbottstown. The money was used to reduce the amount of students’ outstanding lunch debt.
The church has also donated money to other schools in the area to apply to students’ lunch debt.
“We were really excited that we were able to support those students with that at NOE and CTE,” Zaminsky said.
The board held a closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss personnel, confidential and legal matters, according to the agenda.
A special meeting to review a feasibility study will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23.
A committee of the whole study session will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 7:30 pm. Monday, Feb. 13.
All three meetings will be held in the district board room. Meetings are also livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel.
Imari Scarbrough is a freelance journalist. She was a staff newspaper reporter for five years before becoming a freelancer in 2017. She has written on crime, environmental issues, severe weather events, local and regional government and more.
You can visit her website at ImariJournal.com.