05-03-03: Hoffman accepts new job

05-03-03: Hoffman accepts new job

By TIMOTHY COX
The Daily Standard

    COLDWATER - Coldwater Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Eric Hoffman plans to leave the district to accept a similar position at Ridgedale Local Schools in Marion County.
    Hoffman told The Daily Standard he was contacted Thursday morning by Ridgedale officials, who informed him they plan to recommend the school board hire him at its May 15 meeting to replace retiring Superintendent Jacqueline Campbell. Hoffman said he would accept the offer if he and the Ridgedale school board can come to financial terms.
    Hoffman was selected as the man for the job over two other finalists, including a Ridgedale principal.
    The Ridgedale district is in Morral, close to Hoffman's hometown of Richwood, where he worked as principal of North Union High School before coming to Coldwater three-and-a-half years ago.
    "That's where my roots are. That had something to do with the decision," Hoffman said. "I have mixed emotions about leaving Coldwater."
    The Ridgedale district has 1,023 students. Hoffman said it compares favorably in size to Marion Local Schools and said the system also can be compared with the academic standards found in local districts.
    "It's a lot like this community in that they're doing the right things," Hoffman said.
    Ridgedale administration officials would not confirm Hoffman's pending appointment Friday afternoon, deferring comment to the school board. Board Vice President Tom Johnston, who has led the district's superintendent search, could not be reached for comment Friday.
    Coldwater school board President Jerry Meyer was aware of Hoffman's decision, but did not return a message left at his office seeking comment.
    Hoffman makes about $83,500 in his current position, his first job as a superintendent.

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