Minnich

The Northeastern school board decided Monday night that its best replacement to replace its current superintendent is someone already on the administration team.

The board approved the appointment of Shawn Minnich to take over as superintendent as of July 1. Minnich, 41, is the current assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

He'll be replacing his current boss, Superintendent Jody Nace, whose expiring contract was not renewed by the school board. Nace will continue working through June. Chris Neiman, who supported Nace when her contract wasn't renewed in November, cast the lone dissenting vote Monday.

Board president Margie Walker said Tuesday the selection was made because Minnich represents both the past and the future of Northeastern education. Minnich seems to have a good grasp on where education is headed, she said, while also being familiar with how Northeastern does things.

"We know he's looking to the future," Walker said. "We thought it would be a good match for the district."

Minnich earned his doctorate from Temple University. He has previously served in Northeastern as an elementary teacher and principal at Orendorf Elementary.

"We didn't feel the need to bring someone new in and start something completely different," Walker said.

The board also decided Monday that after Minnich takes over, his former position of assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction will be eliminated, a common cost-saving move by districts that should save Northeastern more than $100,000 a year. Minnich wasn't immediately available for comment.

In other action, the board approved three-year contract extensions for assistant superintendent Stacey Sidle and director of operations Brian Geller.

- Reach Andrew Shaw at ashaw@yorkdispatch.com.