Hendel to return to Sweet Home High
by DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor

Paul Hendel

A familiar face will be back at Sweet Home High School when classes resume Sept. 6.

Paul Hendel, who retired in July 2004 after 11 years as principal, has been named interim principal beginning Sept. 1.

He will succeed Suzanne Thomas, who resigned her position as high school principal effective July 16 and subsequently took a job as assistant principal at Orchard Park High School.

"Paul brings experience, dedication and a tremendous commitment to students to the job. He is a well-respected leader who will be able to manage any situation in the building, and we are lucky to have him on board," said Geoffrey M. Hicks, superintendent of schools, in a letter mailed last week to district parents.

Hicks said interviews for the position were held on Aug. 3. The first phase was conducted by a committee of teachers, parents, students, support staff and administrators.

"After much deliberation, the initial committee was unable to recommend a suitable candidate to move to the second round," said Hicks.

He said the district has reopened the search, with the new application process slated to close in early September.

"We will reconvene our committee in late September or early October to conduct another round of interviews, and hopefully the committee will be able to recommend candidates to move forward in the hiring process," he said.

"It is unlikely that a principal will be in place at the high school prior to Thanksgiving break. Given the critical nature of the position, it is imperative that we appoint an interim principal who possesses the skills necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the high school."

Prior to coming to Sweet Home in 2004, Thomas served as house one principal of Orchard Park High School for five years.