Two local schools have started the 2020-21 school year with new assistant principals.
Laci Skidmore of Jeffersonville has filled the position at Seymour Middle School, and Ashley Stahl of Brownstown was promoted to the Seymour Middle School Sixth Grade Center.
Both had previously served as instructional coaches at elementary schools.
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The Seymour Community School Corp. School board of education hired Skidmore in June, and her first official day on the job was July 1.
She replaces Loriann Wessel, who was promoted to principal at the sixth grade center.
Prior to coming to Seymour, Skidmore spent 10 years working at S. Ellen Jones Elementary School in New Albany.
“My experience working with diverse students, highly qualified teachers and talented mentors has taught me how to learn from others, care for my school community and offer my best skills,” she said.
After completing her administrative certification through Indiana University Southeast, Skidmore said she was ready to take on her first administrative position.
“I was searching for a school that would help me grow as a professional and leader and believed in providing the best education to all students,” she said. “I found that at Seymour Middle School. Seymour is a wonderful community that cares about their young people. The student diversity, passion for athletics and friendly faces made me sure of my decision to come to Seymour.”
As assistant principal, Skidmore’s duties include instructional leadership, family outreach, leading professional development and maintaining school safety.
She works closely with Principal Daniel Mendez to communicate the school’s vision and provide a positive culture in the building.
“I am excited to work with a staff that will do whatever it takes to ensure the success and safety of every student,” she said.
The board also hired Stahl in June. She was offered the job by Wessel on May 18.
“It was also my daughter’s second birthday,” Stahl said.
She had been working at Seymour-Redding Elementary School when the assistant principal position opened up.
“Becoming an administrator had always been a goal of mine,” she said.
After graduating from Indiana State University in 2018 with a master’s degree in administration, she was just waiting for the right opportunity to serve in a higher capacity, she said.
“When this position came open in the spring, I felt like it was the right time,” she said. “Many things I did as an instructional coach will carry over into this position. I love Seymour schools and was excited about the opportunity to get to stay within the district but serve at a different building.”
Working with Wessel, Stahl’s primary responsibilities include discipline, supporting teachers in instruction and daily building operations.
Her past experience as an instructional coach is what has helped prepare her to become an assistant principal, she said.
“Some of my key roles as an instructional coach were building relationships with staff and working closely with teachers in instructional goals,” she said. “Both are essential to building a positive school culture and ensuring our students get the best education possible.”
Stahl said she is looking forward to building relationships with staff, students and families at the sixth grade center.
“Relationships are key to having success at any level, and it will be key in the uncertainty we are facing this year,” she said.
Since graduating from college in 2013, Stahl has called Seymour Community School Corp. home, and she is thankful for the opportunities she is afforded.
“SCSC always continues to support and provide their staff with opportunities for professional growth, and that is what I am all about,” she said. “I know I always have something to learn and will get better every day at what I do.”