New faces at Bradford school

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BRADFORD — When students enter the hallways of Bradford schools Monday, they will encounter many new faces among the administration and staff.

The district has a new superintendent, a new junior/senior high principal, and a number of new instructors and administrators.

New Bradford Superintendent Ken Miller brings a bevy of administrative experience, having served as a superintendent and principal for the Covington School District and elsewhere prior to taking the helm at Bradford Exempted Village Schools.

Miller calls it an “honor” to be the new superintendent, and says he plans to work on improving interaction at the school.

“I want to develop positive relationships with the staff, students and community,” he said. “We can accomplish anything if we are working together toward common goals.”

Miller is discussing with the board of education a plan to create a leadership team that will help formulate goals for the district.

“I’m assembling a team that will bring all stakeholders together, to establish common goals and interests,” he said. “That way we can take each step together.”

“Our motto is, ‘Together we can, together we will.’”

Joining the superintendent’s administrative team this year is the new principal of Bradford Junior/Senior High, Chris Abke.

Abke was previously a formative instruction specialist for the northwest region of the Ohio Department of Education. He calls the opportunity to be principal at Bradford a “great fit.”

“I wanted ownership at the local school district level, to be closer to the students,” said Abke, adding, “This is where all the magic happens.”

He cited leadership as one reason he was attracted to the position, saying he heard very positive things about Superintendent Miller and Elementary Principal Tracy Trogdlon.

Abke also said that the setting made a difference.

“I grew up in a smaller, rural school district, so it felt very familiar to me,” he said. “I’m very happy to be here.”

Like Miller, the new principal hopes to increase the school’s level of teamwork and collaboration.

“I would like to establish some teacher-led teams, for them to be up front to handle problems and increase student achievement,” he said.

“There is a foundation here, but I’m hoping to help develop what was already started,” Abke added. “I hope to coach and challenge these teachers and learn from and be challenged by them as well.”

“I’m very excited and happy, looking forward to a good year.”

Two new teachers join the junior/senior high staff — science teacher Alex Berry and social studies teacher Kyle Ratliff.

On the elementary side, Bradford has added five new instructors — 1st grade teacher Jana Barga, 2nd grade teacher Dustina Cunan, 3rd grade teacher Katie Hoehne, 4th grade teacher Jill Post, and Intervention Specialist Jennifer Monnin.

Other additions to the district staff include Athletic Director/Transportation Director John McGiffin, Technology Director Justin Morrell, and cafeteria worker Sharon Fike.

For more information about Bradford Exempted Village Schools, visit the district’s website at www.bradford.k12.oh.us.

New teachers and administrators at Bradford include (from left) social studies teacher Kyle Ratliff, Jr.-Sr. High Principal Chris Abke, Superintendent Ken Miller, and science teacher Alex Berry.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Bradford-High-RGB.jpgNew teachers and administrators at Bradford include (from left) social studies teacher Kyle Ratliff, Jr.-Sr. High Principal Chris Abke, Superintendent Ken Miller, and science teacher Alex Berry. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

Bradford Elementary Principal Tracy Trogdlon (left) welcomes new teachers Dustina Cunan (2nd grade), Jill Post (4th grade), Katie Hoehne (3rd grade), Jana Barga (1st grade), Jennifer Monnin (Intervention Specialist).
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Bradford-Elem-RGB.jpgBradford Elementary Principal Tracy Trogdlon (left) welcomes new teachers Dustina Cunan (2nd grade), Jill Post (4th grade), Katie Hoehne (3rd grade), Jana Barga (1st grade), Jennifer Monnin (Intervention Specialist). Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

By Erik Martin

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Erik Martin may be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 937-569-4314.

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