Barker, who lives in Centerville, served as the principal at Nevin Coppock Elementary in Tipp City since 2016. Previously, she was the assistant principal/athletic director at Tippecanoe Middle School in Tipp City and taught in both the Beavercreek and West Carrollton school districts, according to Communications Specialist Sarah Swan.
Barker said the career move is important to her because she will be serving the school district she lives in.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as principal at Cline Elementary,” Barker said. “I am excited to work alongside such a strong and compassionate staff to support the Cline students and families. As a Centerville resident, I am a firsthand witness to the quality and commitment this district has for its students. I am thrilled to now be a part of it.”
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Swan said that the principal’s position was posted in January, and a committee interviewed nine internal and external applicants prior to making its selection.
Cline Elementary serves about 400 students in second through fifth grade and has more than 60 staff members.
Barker’s contract is expected to be approved by the Centerville Board of Education during its March 18 meeting. She will replace Sherley Kurtz, who is retiring after serving Centerville Schools for 29 years, with the past eight years as Cline’s principal.
Centerville’s Director of Human Resources Dan Tarpey believes that Barker has a good skill set that will make her an excellent principal at Cline.
“The Centerville City Schools and Cline Elementary are fortunate to have Mrs. Barker join our professional staff,” he said. “She is a talented educator with a deep administrative skill set and a genuine commitment to maintaining the high learning standards that exist at Cline Elementary.”
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