(Posted March 20, 2019)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Jonathan Alder Local Schools will start the 2019-20 school year with two new principals.
On March 11, the school board approved the hiring of Taryn Fuller as the next principal at Plain City Elementary. On April 8, the board is expected to approve the hiring of J. Clint Hayes as the next principal at Jonathan Alder High School.
Plain City Elementary principal
Fuller replaces Kelly Hicks who is retiring at the end of this school year after 30 years with the district, the last 12 as principal.
Fuller earned her undergraduate degree from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from The Ohio State University. She is working on her doctorate in early childhood education through Concordia University.
After getting her start in teaching at Mount Gilead Schools, Fuller was hired in 2008 as a second-grade teacher at Plain City Elementary and as the varsity girls’ volleyball coach at the high school. In 2015, she led the volleyball team to the state tournament. After a couple of years as an assistant principial at the elementary level for Delaware City Schools, Fuller returned to Plain City Elementary this past school year as dean of students.
“Taryn is a natural when it comes to leadership. She’s shown it on the court and in the classroom,” Hicks said.
Fuller credits Hicks with showing her the ropes during her time as a teacher and as dean of students.
“I have big shoes to fill. Kelly is well known in the community, and that’s something I hope to emulate as a leader,” she said. “I am absolutely thrilled and blessed with the opportunity.”
Fuller lives in Ostrander and is married with two young children.
High school principal
Hayes replaces Mike Aurin, who is leaving the district at the end of the school year to serve as principal at Dublin Jerome High School.
Hayes, who currently serves as principal at Jonathan Alder Junior High, received his undergraduate degree from Cedarville University, a master’s degree in education from Marygrove College, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University. He previously served as an assistant principal and teacher for London City Schools.
In his five years at Jonathan Alder Junior High, the school has earned the Momentum Award from the State Board of Education four times for exceeding expectations in student growth. This past year, the school received the All A Award, as well.
“We are thrilled for Mr. Hayes to transition to the high school,” said Gary Chapman, superintendent. “He is a talented and passionate educational leader who has invested himself in our students, staff and community. We know he will continue the high standard of educating and caring for students that we have established at Jonathan Alder.”
Hayes lives in Plain City and is married with five children, all of whom are of school age and attend Jonathan Alder Schools.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue to serve our district and community in a larger role,” Hayes said. “I have relationships with almost all of the students at the high school and can’t wait to get started next year.”
