It's Your Business includes David Schooler, Marty Hillard, Jason McKinzie and Rachel Marsh
Hires
Silver Lake USD 372 hired David Schooler as the new assistant principal and activities director of the Silver Lake Jr/Sr High. Schooler brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Silver Lake, as he is in his 20th year working in education, spending 12 of those years (2006-2018) as a science teacher and a coach at Silver Lake Jr/Sr High School. In 2018, Schooler accepted a position as the Royal Valley assistant principal and activities director. Schooler said: "I have a passion for education and working with kids in interscholastic athletics and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to be the next assistant principal and activities director at Silver Lake Jr / Sr High School. I am excited to serve the students and families of Silver Lake to provide the best opportunities possible.” Schooler and his wife, Tara, live in the Silver Lake district and have four children who attend school at Silver Lake.
Marty Hillard is the new director of community engagement at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center. Marty is an experienced community organizer with a background in nonprofit development, group facilitation, content creation and copywriting. His role as the director of community outreach involves expanding the museum's reach through museum programming and community-based events to give all families the opportunities for play. Hillard is a husband, father, son, and brother living in Topeka.
Honors
The YWCA Northeast Kansas Center for Safety and Empowerment recognized four volunteers and partners for their outstanding contributions to survivor advocacy during its Concealed Revealed Art Auction on April 1: Laura Burton, Advocacy through Art Award; Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, Community Partner Award; Flavor Wagon and Tre'Jor Hopkins, Generous Heart Award; and United Women in Faith Blessings Circle at Countryside United Methodist Church, Generous Heart Award.
Recognition
Jason McKinzie, IT security analyst, was chosen as KPERS' Outstanding Service Award winner for April to July 2023. McKinzie was nominated for the distinguished service he provides. In his role, McKinzie is responsible for executing policies and standards to ensure the security and privacy of KPERS’ data and information technology systems. He recently led the installation and implementation of a new firewall system to enhance the security framework and network capacity. Thanks to his planning, diligence and attention to detail, the IT team completed the firewall installation without disrupting service to members, staff and employers. McKinzie is friendly and always willing to help his teammates and other KPERS staff. He is a pleasure to work with and a wonderful asset to KPERS and the Information Technology Division.
Boards
Kansas Children's Discovery Center Board of Trustees has two new members: Rachel Marsh and Judge Cheryl A. Rios. Rachel Marsh serves as CEO of the Children's Alliance of Kansas, where she collaborates with child welfare experts to lead public policy advocacy efforts to strengthen the child and family wellbeing system. She received her law degree and masters in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. Rios was appointed to the 3rd Judicial District Court in 2008 and previously served as an associate judge for the City of Topeka. After practicing critical care nursing in Topeka, she graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1993. She serves on the Kansas District Judges Association and Valeo Behavioral Health Center Foundation. The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a hands-on children’s museum with a mission to enhance the lives of children and enrich the communities it serves.
Topeka-area hirings, promotions, retirements and other announcements can be emailed to iyb@cjonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: It's Your Business has Discovery Center, YWCA, KPERS and Silver Lake
