McCall to fill in as Valpo superintendent
By Amy Lavalley Post-Tribune correspondent June 19, 2012 9:32PM
Jim McCall principal of Flint Lake Elementary School. | File Photo~Sun-Times Media
Updated: June 19, 2012 9:38PM
VALPARAISO — James McCall, the principal of Flint Lake Elementary School, will fill in until an interim superintendent can be found for the Valparaiso School Corporation through Aug. 1, when he is expected to return to Flint Lake.
By then, the Valparaiso School Board hopes to have an interim superintendent at hand while they search for a replacement for Supt. Andrew Melin, who officially tendered his resignation to the board Tuesday.
He’s headed for the Greater Clark Schools in downstate Jeffersonville, where he takes over the head administrator’s post July 1. His last day here is Friday.
Melin said the Valparaiso community has been outstanding the past two years and he values the staff, particularly during the difficult times for the corporation; it is facing a $3.2 million budget shortfall.
“At this point, I feel I need to look at other opportunities,” he said, adding his three children benefited from being part of this community. “It has been a very difficult decision for me personally and professionally.”
Melin is leaving two years into a three-year contract. At his new job, Melin will have a three-year contract with a base salary of $170,000 and an assortment of perks. Greater Clark has about 10,500 students, compared to around 6,400 at Valparaiso.
Board members touted his willingness to open the administration to the community, the start of full-day kindergarten last school year, and the development of the corporation’s first strategic plan, among other accomplishments.
“It’s been a remarkable two years, and it’s because of you in large part,” board member Jim Jorgensen said, adding Melin broke down barriers between the community and the school corporation.
Board president Jim Sarkisian said Melin was willing to say exactly what he thought and faced tough issues without backing down, which garnered Sarkisian’s respect.
“It’s his easy manner and always knowing that he did what was best for the kids,” Sarkisian said.
McCall, meanwhile, said he’s dedicated his career to the Valparaiso schools, where he’s served in an assortment of capacities, including coach and teacher.
“I’m very humbled by being asked to serve in this capacity because I take it very seriously. It’s not about me, it’s about our kids,” he said.
