The Tippecanoe School Corporation is pleased to announce the hiring of three new elementary school assistant principals: George Berkesch at Woodland Elementary School, Geoffrey Grubb at Mayflower Mill Elementary School and Whitney Reed at Klondike Elementary School.

At Woodland, Berkesch will replace Brock Richardson, who was hired as the new principal of Mintonye Elementary School. Berkesch has 13 years of experience teaching, most recently fourth grade at Battle Ground Elementary School. He has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Purdue University.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Berkesch to Woodland Elementary,” says Principal Lee Sweet. “He is well-organized, motivated and dedicated to education. He has an engaging personality that will serve him well in building positive relationships in our school community.”

“I bring a high enthusiasm for education, a positive nature and a passion for helping students be the best they can be,” says Berkesch. “Woodland is an excellent school with passionate teachers and an outstanding school culture. I look forward to working with Mr. Sweet and all of the dedicated staff to maximize each student's potential on a daily basis.”

As assistant principal, Berkesch will oversee curriculum development, test coordination, student discipline, special education services and staff evaluations at the K-5 school of 640 students.

Mayflower Mill welcomes Geoffrey Grubb who has been teaching at Miami Elementary School for several years. He replaces Jill Pinkerton who was named a principal in the South Montgomery School Corporation. Grubb has a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a master’s degree from Ball State University.

“Mr. Grubb will be an outstanding addition to Mayflower Mill Elementary,” says Principal Shannon Cauble. “He is eager to serve as a mentor to both students and staff as we grow as a school community.”

Grubb will oversee student discipline, special education, support staff and other duties at the school of more than 600 students.

“I am eager to learn and lead with humility, patience and high expectations,” says Grubb. “TSC has a stellar reputation for supporting and taking care of its staff, and I feel that staff and student empowerment is an essential element of what I hope to bring; therefore, my professional goals align with what TSC is about.”

Klondike Elementary School Student Support Specialist Whitney Reed will step into the role of assistant principal after Marisa Arms was named principal of Wyandotte Elementary School. Reed has several years of experience as a special education teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Western Kentucky University.

Principal Scott Peters is thrilled to have Ms. Reed as an assistant principal: “She has a passion for working with students, teachers and families to maximize opportunities for our students to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. She brings an unparalleled enthusiasm for helping students succeed.”

Reed will oversee student discipline, special education, support staff and other duties at the school of almost 1,000 young learners.

“I am excited to serve the Klondike and TSC community in this new capacity,” says Reed. “This school is a place where students thrive and are able to be immersed in such a diverse community of learners who uplift each other as one family.”

The TSC Board of School Trustees ratified administrative contracts for the three new elementary assistant principals at the June 14 meeting.