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School Board hires Dupo admin as new DHS principal Tim McChristian brings more than 27 years experience to the position

DU QUOIN - The Du Quoin School Board hired a new high school principal at a special board meeting this past Saturday morning.

Tim McChristian, an assistant principal at Dupo Senior/Junior High School, was offered a three-year contract, which officially begins July 1. McChristian replaces Matt Hickam, who was recently named the district's new superintendent to replace the retiring Gary Kelly.

McChristian has been responsible for overseeing student discipline, shares in the responsibility for evaluating teachers, chairs the PERA Committee, serves as the official IHSA representative for the Dupo School District, meets regularly with a student advisory committee, has helped implement co-teaching, and collaborated with staff to revise a crisis handbook for staff and substitute teachers.

McChristian spent 12 years at Dupo and 13 years before that as a social studies instructor at Collinsville High School. The first two years of his work career were spent at Breese Mater Dei High School as an instructor,

"Mr. McChristian's work experience and professionalism are what stood out to us during the whole interview process," said Hickam. "He performed well in all areas. His demeanor also impressed us. Nothing but professional. And we liked his focus on student (achievement)."

Hickam added that McChristian will spend some time in Du Quoin this spring learning his new role and plans to attend the School Improvement Focus Meeting on March 28.

"At this point in my career, I'm ready for the next challenge," McChristian said. "Du Quoin seems like a very good fit for me. I'm excited about interacting with new staff and students."

McChristian, 48, is a native of Collinsville, having graduated high school there in 1988. He earned a bachelor's degree in social science with a teacher certification from Eastern Illinois University in 1992 and then a master's degree in education from SIU-E in 2000.

"I look forward to working with Mr. Hickam and all of us working toward a common goal. That's exciting to me," said McChristian, who plans to move to Du Quoin by July.

In one other transaction from Saturday's special meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Jamie Ellermeyer, who has served the district as board member. His resignation is effective March 15. Ellermeyer said he is relocating outside the district with his new job.