Haddonfield Memorial High School will have a new principal for the 2012–13 school year.
The board of education announced it has appointed current Central Elementary School Principal Chuck Klaus as the newest principal at the high school.
Klaus has 23 years of experience in education and has worked in the school district for the past 15 years.
Klaus replaces current principal Mike Wilson, who in turn is replacing retiring assistant superintendent of schools Dr. Dyanne Kerecman, according to district representatives.
“Chuck is well versed in curricular teaching and learning strategies and also is a very strong educational leader. He has a unique ability to motivate others that enables students to gain confidence and reach their goals. He is a perfect fit for the high school principalship and I am sure he will do a great job,” Superintendent Rich Perry said.
Klaus holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilmington University in Wilmington, Del., and a bachelor’s degree in education from Boston University in Boston.
Klaus holds a principal’s and supervisor’s certificate and teacher of English certificate. In addition, he has been a member in the Haddonfield Professional Development Committee and a member of the New Jersey Association of School Principals.
Also, Klaus coached wrestling for HMHS and was recently inducted into the South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Klaus currently resides in Haddonfield with his three children, Max, Henry and Madeline.
In addition to Klaus being appointed to the high school, the Haddonfield Board of Education also appointed Shannon Simkus to the position of Central Elementary School Principal.
Simkus brings seven years teaching experience and has served the school district for three years as sixth-grade language arts and social studies teacher and two years as HMHS’ dean of students.
“Shannon has done a fantastic job as dean of students for the high school and she has gained the confidence and admiration of her colleagues. She is very excited to take on this new position and looks forward to working closely with the faculty, students, and the Central School community,” Perry said.
Finally, the newest board of education member Maureen Eyles was sworn into her seat. Her seat will expire in December.
Eyles has been a member of many community groups including the Haddonfield Board of Education’s Alternative Revenue Committee, Haddonfield Turf Field Committee, Central School PTA, Haddonfield United Methodist Church Nursery School and the Junior Women’s Club for the Haddonfield Fortnightly.
