By JASON TIDD

Staff writer

Marion has several applicants for the high school principal position.

Superintendent Aaron Homburg told the school board Monday that more than 10 people have applied so far, with a variety of age and experience from which to choose.

The position, as well as that of athletic director, will open when Tod Gordon retires at the end of the year. There are not as many applicants for athletic director.

Homburg said a new principal will likely be hired in January, with the school board holding a special meeting for salary negotiation.

Gordon said the high school is having its highest winter sports participation in several years. There are 15 students out for wrestling and 25 students for each of boys and girls basketball, plus managers, cheerleaders, and band.

The school board accepted resignations from head high school football coach Grant Thierolf and assistant coach Jerry Smith. Thierolf will continue to teach and coach track.

Joshua Richert was hired as an assistant middle school basketball coach.

A scholarship was established with memorial donations from the family of Jeffrey Harris.

An audit report was approved. One of the concerns in the audit, cleaning up old class accounts, had been addressed at an earlier meeting.

The school board met in executive session for 10 minutes addressing an individual employee’s performance, and another 25 minutes for confidential student information. No action was taken after either.