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Ottoville taps Thorbahn as principal
OTTOVILLE — After reviewing more than 24 applications for a high school principal, one name clearly rose to the top, according to Ottoville Superintendent Larry Moore.
Jon Thorbahn, 33, of Ottoville will take over for retiring Bill Altenburger for the 2007-08 school year by unanimous decision of the school board.
“Everyone we talked to had nothing but the highest praise for Jon,” Moore said. “He’s very student-oriented and focuses on student achievement and welfare. He will be a nice fit here at Ottoville. His name quickly rose to the top of the list. There was almost no question.”
Thorbahn will also be an integral part of the district’s continuous improvement plan.
Moore, Elementary Principal Scott Mangas and Ottoville Education Association President Jim Brown chose Thorbahn for the position.
Thorbahn has been a resident of Ottoville for the past eight years and his daughter, Alexis, is in the second grade at Ottoville Elementary. He and his wife, Melanie, also have a son, Josh, 5, and 4-month-old twins, Erica and Carly. He is currently teaching pre-algebra, algebra I and college-prep algebra at Ottawa-Glandorf High School. He received a three-year contract with a base salary of $58,000.
“Academically and athletically, Ottoville is doing really well,” Thorbahn said. “It might just be a matter of bringing new energy to bring people closer together. I will miss the interaction with the kids but I will still be in close contact with them.”
With the hiring of the new high school principal, Mangas’ duties will be increased to include K-8. He had previously been in charge of K-6. Thorbahn will be in charge of grades 9-12.
“With the changes, we can pay the new high school principal less than we were paying Altenburger, who had been here for 18 years, saving the district approximately $25,000 per year,” Moore said. “We are also looking to raise the bar at Ottoville High School and we think Jon is the man for the job. He has big shoes to fill after 18 years with Bill. We hope he designs his own shoes to wear.”
Thorbahn is following somewhat of a tradition in his family. His father was a principal and his brother is currently a principal.
#1 — Added 12 months ago
Congratulations John (and Melanie)! We wish you the best and know you will do a great job!
Posted on May 19, 2007 at 10:30 am by Tracey Miller Gerkens