Granville taps Amanda-Clearcreek official as new high school principal
After being principal of the Amanda-Clearcreek Aces for five years, Scott Hinton is ready to lead the Blue Aces.
Hinton was approved as the new Granville High School principal during the Granville Board of Education April 11 meeting. He takes over for Matt Durst, who is leaving the district and joining a family business at the end of the school year.
Granville Superintendent Jeff Brown said after the meeting that Hinton is an experienced and established leader having served as the Amanda-Clearcreek High School principal since 2017.
"We valued the experience, but we also value the collaborative spirit, the energy, the passion that he clearly displayed," Brown said.
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Because of the reputation of Granville's academics as well as extracurricular activities, Hinton said he jumped at the opportunity and applied within a day or two of the position being listed.
Even though he is the educator, Hinton said he's excited to learn from the students themselves.
"There’s so much we can learn from kids and learn from students, so that’s what I’m looking forward to the most is just developing those unique opportunities we have to work with students," he said. "I’m very blessed, there’s not a job like it in the world. It is an unbelieve opportunity to work with students and just to learn from them."
The move is bittersweet for Hinton who is a graduate of Amanda-Clearcreek himself. He said the choice to leave was difficult, especially because he has been so invested in the district. He said he will miss the students and staff dearly, but knows they will do well without him.
"They will be great because of the tremendous staff that just works hard for students," he said.
Prior to becoming principal, Hinton served as Amanda-Clearcreeks' graduation coach from 2014-2017. He started as education career as a social studies and math teacher. He earned his bachelor's degree in education from Ohio University and his master's from University of Findlay.
Brown said 23 people applied for the position and seven made it to a second round interview that involved meeting with students, parents, community members and staff and administration. The third round was a one-on-one interview with Brown that focused on the fit of the candidate and the district.
Hinton's start date will be Aug. 1, but Brown said he will likely present an interim contract at the next board meeting that will allow Hinton to work over the summer with Durst.
"We really appreciate (Durst's) willingness to do that, but also Mr. Hinton wants to get in as soon as possible," he said.
Hinton said he'll move the district with his wife, Lindsy, and daughters Ellie, Maggie and Daisy.
"I’m very much looking forward to getting to know every part of that high school, build those relationships one student at a time, one staff member at a time," he said. "It’s an incredible opportunity for my family and I … to be a part of the community and the school district."
mdevito@gannett.com
740-607-2175
Twitter: @MariaDeVito13
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Granville taps Amanda-Clearcreek official as new high school principal
