John Odle will become the next principal at Oakwood High School, following Tim Lee, who is set to retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year after 33 years with the district.
Oakwood School Board Vice President Brenda Ludwig said a committee of nine constituents spent hours interviewing candidates to find the right fit for a position that has been held by only three people in the last 47 years.
“I think something that was very important to this committee was loyalty to this district,” Ludwig said. “And to know this district and to understand the people.”
She added that Odle can fill that role very well, as he has been an Assistant Principal at Oakwood High School.
“He knows the structure of the building. He knows the people in the building. And we took that to heart,” Ludwig said.
Odle said he is honored to be named for this position.
“I’m very excited to take on this opportunity and continue to work with a great leadership team here at the district,” he said. “I want to thank the committee. It was a process; very thorough, one of the most thorough interviewing processes I’ve ever been in. I really appreciate that.
“I want to thank the board. I also want to thank the school and the community. I came in here five years ago as a new guy. Now I feel like I’m part of a family. That’s one of the things that I love about this school district and what I love about the high school, because it’s a community of families.
“I appreciate, Mr. Lee, especially, for mentoring me over these past few years and getting me to this position.”
