Thursday, March 30th, 2023
St. Henry board selects new district superintendent
From staff reports
ST. HENRY - St. Henry Elementary School Principal Adam Puthoff was hired as the district superintendent at a special school board meeting on Wednesday night.
Puthoff was awarded a three-year contract and will assume his new role effective Aug. 1. Board members were negotiating Puthoff's salary in an executive session following the regular session. No action was anticipated.
Current superintendent Julie Garke had previously announced she will retire at the end of July after 29 years.
"I'm honored and excited for the opportunity," Puthoff said, adding he is privileged to follow in Garke's footsteps.
He said his goal as superintendent will be to expand his influence and impact and to continue to unite the community.
Puthoff is a St. Henry graduate who earned his teaching degree from Wright State University in Dayton. He has served as elementary school principal for eight years. He also taught history to eighth and ninth graders at St. Henry.
He previously taught eighth grade history for two years at Tri County North in Preble County and fourth grade history for four years at Parkway Local Schools.
Puthoff said he has a fantastic working relationship with Garke and noted they will collaborate over the next few months, especially during June and July when Puthoff takes office. In the meantime, district officials will launch a search for a new elementary school principal.
Board member Andy Fullenkamp said the board was fortunate to have several candidates to consider for the new superintendent.
Six candidates were interviewed over the course of two executive sessions held in February. Finalists for the position were Puthoff, Fort Recovery High School Principal Tony Stahl and Little Miami School District High School Principal Cathy Trevathan. Stahl was recently hired to serve as Fort Recovery superintendent.
Officials also interviewed Spencerville Local Schools Superintendent Cindy Endsley, Franklin Monroe Local Schools Superintendent Jeremy Pequinot and Sidney Elementary School Principal Stephanie Klingshirn.
