(Posted Aug. 6, 2014)
Dr. Matthew Unger has assumed the top post at Madison-Plains High School.
The Madison-Plains agricultural teacher and Ohio University doctoral candidate was the top choice of every member of a selection committee involved in the hiring process. The committee included three parents, two school board members, four administrators, two teachers and one support staff member.
“Dr. Unger was the clear choice from a strong field of applicants,” said incoming Superintendent Tim Dettwiller. “Matt’s performance in the classroom, his past leadership roles and his strong desire to improve academic performance were all noted in the committee’s endorsement of him.”
Nineteen people applied for the position. Eight were interviewed. Two finalists were interviewed a second time.
Unger is a member of the district’s insurance and student learner outcome committees. He uses data analysis to hone his instructional practice to improve student learning. He also blends traditional classroom approaches with technology to increase student involvement and ownership.
Dettwiller said Unger, who has taught at the high school for four years, will hit the ground running.
“Matt is a great fit for this administrative team, and we are all eager for the start of the 2014-15 school year,” he said.
Unger will receive his doctorate degree in August from Ohio University in educational leadership. He holds bachelor and master of science degrees from Morehead State University in vocational education and earned his principal’s license through coursework at the University of Dayton.
Unger has served as an adjunct professor at Wilmington College, taught for Fairfield Local Schools in Leesburg, Ohio, and was a high school teacher in southeastern Indiana. He also has coached middle school football and wrestling.
On July 24, the Madison-Plains school board approved a three-year contract for Unger at an annual salary of $93,256. Unger’s first official day as high school principal was Aug. 1. He replaces Chris Clark, who took a job as superintendent at Black River Schools.
