A new principal for Coal City High School

Arthur Stafford has been hired as the new principal at Coal City High School.

“I feel he is going to do a really nice job, and fit in well at the high school with the staff, students and administrative team,” Superintendent Chris Spencer said.

Stafford will fill the position on July 1, taking over for Jennifer Kenney who is transitioning into the role of director of curriculum and instruction.

Stafford comes to Coal City from Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 where he holds the position of assistant principal of students services at Plainfield North High School.

The district received 11 applications for the position and nine individuals were offered an initial interview.

Each candidate met with three groups—six interviewers in each—one comprised of administrative staff, another with faculty and students, and a third that included a faculty, food service personnel, student services and an athletic director.

Based on the feedback that came from the interview groups, the superintendent called two candidates back to speak to him and other district office staff. Those interactions went on for about 75 minutes and resulted in Stafford being recommended for the position.

At its meeting on Feb. 1, the Board of Education offered Stafford a one year contract with a salary of $105,000 and benefit package that includes Board paid teacher retirement contributions and premiums for health, dental and vision insurance, as well as vacation and sick leave.

It was Stafford’s experiences that set him apart from the field of candidates.

While in the Plainfield School District, Stafford taught high school social studies and served as the head of that department and then transitioned to the division chair for English. He’s served in his current role for the past eight years.

Social emotional learning is one of the goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan, and according to the superintendent, the incoming principal’s experience in that area is something that set him apart from the other candidates.

“His extensive experience in curriculum and social emotional learning will be important in the continued development and implementation of the Board’s strategic goal of providing a safe school environment that meets the academic, social and emotional needs of all students and staff,” the Board said in a release announcing Stafford’s hiring.

Stafford, Spencer said, is focused on building relationships.

“He talked a lot about that and we need someone who is going to continue to build relationships with the staff and students.” The new principal has extensive experience in building a master schedule, analyzing data and using that to improve delivery of curriculum.

According to Spencer, one thing that set Stafford apart in the interview process was his demeanor and desire to get to know the students and school community.

“Overall, I think because of his demeanor and building relationships it should be a smooth transition,” the superintendent said.

Stafford, who is set to meet with the high school staff in the coming days, has indicated to the superintendent how impressed he is with the school district, especially the high school.

Stafford will be assisted in his duties by assistant principal Corey Mikula and dean of students/assistant athletic director Brad Boresi.

“I’m excited for him to get started,” Spencer said, with the Board adding they look forward to him continuing to build on the excellence the high school and school district are known for.