GREENVILLE — Greenville Senior High School Principal Jeffrey Cassell’s retirement date — July 31, 2017 — is now official.
The retirement was approved during the Greenville City School District Board of Education meeting held Thursday.
Cassell served as Greenwave high school principal for one year, having replaced former Principal Ken Neff, who moved to a new position with Greenville’s Virtual Academy program.
Prior to this, he served for one year as principal of Greenville’s Woodland Primary School.
Board President Fred Matix took pause, before proceeding to vote on Cassell’s resignation.
“It’s sort of hard to accept,” he said. “Mr. Cassell, you’ve done a heck of a job for us and for that we are greatly appreciative. You’ve brought a lot of things to the table that have helped our schools. And your wife [Margret], she’s right there with you all the time. That’s what it’s all about, that’s why you’re so successful.”
“It takes a team. We only wish you the best,” Matix added.
In 1982, Cassell began his career as a math teacher and coach for Ansonia Local Schools.
“I’m a Darke County boy,” he said. “I wanted to finish up in Darke County.”
This is year 35 and a second retirement for Cassell. His first retirement was at 30 years. In total, he’s taught 19 years and spent 16 years in administration. During the last five years, Cassell went back to teaching for two years, which he expressed as advantageous.
“I hadn’t been in a classroom for awhile. It got me grounded and made me a better administrator,” he said.
Cassell said his reasoning for retiring is two-fold.
“I made the decision and I wanted to be honest and tell them as soon as I knew,” he explained.
“Secondly, I wanted to help the school district, as this is a key position in the district. I gave them time to make that transition, while maintaining a continuum. And if they so wish, they can use me to help in that transition,” Cassell added.
To his successor, Cassell emphasized the importance of maintaining focus.
“Being a principal, you get torn in a lot of areas,” he said. “My experience has taught me not to be too abrupt, to be patient and look at it from the 360. Your decisions are affecting the students, parents and staff.”
“I truly believe in making kid decisions and the focal point has to be on the kids. When the rubber hits the road — it’s about the kids. That is the most important,” said Cassell.
