By Becky Uehling
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
It was a step forward and a step back for the Perkins County School Board at its regular meeting Monday night as the board approved the contract for a new superintendent and accepted the resignation of elementary school principal Nancy Sorensen.
Superintendent
The board approved a contract with Mark Jolliffe to serve as the district’s new superintendent. Jolliffe is currently the principal of Wichita High School in Wichita, Kan.
Jolliffe was chosen by the board from three candidates who were interviewed on Wednesday 15 February. According to school board president Chris Fryzek, the board felt that Jolliffe was the best fit for Perkins County schools out of the three qualified applicants.
Jolliffe, along with his wife Heidi, have been involved in several community activities since being offered the job last week, including school activities and even the recent gala organized to raise funds for a new aged care facility in the community.
“I am thrilled to be selected as the next Superintendent of Perkins County Schools,” Jolliffe said Tuesday morning. “The community, staff and students have been exactly what we were looking for.”
Jolliffe said he was ready to learn about the culture of the school system and how it can be a resource for all involved.
Please look for a more in-depth article on Mark and Heidi Jolliffe in future editions of the Tribune-Sentinel.
Sorensen resigns
During Monday’s meeting, the board also welcomed Sorensen’s resignation.
In his resignation letter, Sorensen said he will return to the Wauneta area and accept a position at the Wauneta Public Schools.
Sorensen thanked the school’s trustees, board and staff for the support he has received, and particularly thanked Phillip Picquet for his mentorship.
The school will now seek two principals with Sorensen’s resignation, which joins high school principal Ben Jones’ resignation that he filed last month.
