Spring Cove District names interim middle school principal

Hatten returns to aid school until new hire starts Dec. 16

ROARING SPRING -- A retired superintendent who previously served as an interim principal in the Spring Cove School District is returning, this time to fill two temporary positions as the Spring Cove Middle School interim principal and assistant principal.

During a special meeting Monday, the school board appointed Norman Hatten Jr. to fill the principal post vacated by Breanna Venios and the assistant principal position held by Ryan Baranik, whose last day is Nov. 21.

Hatten will start immediately at a rate of $500 per day, and will work on an as needed basis. Monday was the last day for Venios.

Amy Miller was hired as middle school principal at the board's September meeting, but is finishing out her contract as the assistant middle school principal with the Chestnut Ridge School District. Her expected started date is Nov. 21.

Holly Boyles was hired as assistant middle school principal during the board's meeting last week. She is finishing out her contract as an elementary educator at Pleasant Valley Elementary in the Altoona Area School District. She is expected to start for Spring Cove on Dec. 16.

Both could start earlier, if their respective school districts fill the newly open positions, Spring Cove Superintendent Betsy Baker said, noting school districts have the option to keep outgoing employees for 60 days while they look to fill the posts.

This is not the first time Hatten has been tapped to fill interim positions in the region. In January 2017, he stepped in when then-Central High School Principal David Crumrine took time off for a knee injury.

In October of that same year, Hatten filled in after Claysburg-Kimmel Superintendent Royce Boyd announced her departure. In October 2018, Hatten was hired as the interim superintendent at Harmony Area School District.

Hatten retired in 2016 as superintendent of Manheim Central School District. He previously served as superintendent of the Curwensville Area School District in Clearfield County.

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.