The Clinton Prairie School Board approved the recommendation of Superintendent Amanda Whitlock by hiring Clinton Wilson as the new Clinton Prairie Elementary School principal Tuesday night.
“Clinton Wilson comes up us from TSC (Tippecanoe School Corporation) where has a teacher and an administrator at an elementary school and middle school,” said Whitlock. “He comes from a rural school background. He’s very excited to meet the teachers and get started.”
Wilson, who was educated at Seeger and graduated from Indiana State University, is replacing Joe Walker, who is retiring after 16 years as the elementary school principal at Prairie.
“Growing up in a small town is kind of my background and something I am familiar with,” said Wilson. “I grew up in Warren County. To be a part of Clinton Prairie, and here in Clinton County, is like Warren County. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the students, staff and the community. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”
Whitlock said Wilson was one of well over 50 applicants Prairie had for the position.
“A lot of them were very, very well qualified, but Clint kind of stood out,” said Whitlock. “He has a lot of the qualities we were looking for and that we needed in the elementary.”
Wilson is wrapping up his first year at Wea Ridge Middle School, where he is an assistant principal. He had previous stints at Mayflower Mill Elementary and three years teaching fourth grade at Cole Elementary in Stockwell.
“I think the biggest part of coming to this school is building relationships, meeting people and getting to know the kids and the teachers,” said Wilson. “That is the first priority.”
Clinton Prairie still has another administrative position to fill as the school board elected not to renew the contract of Assistant Principal Jonathan Shannon despite heavy opposition from parents, students and teaching staff. Whitlock said it will be at least another month before that position is filled.
The board also approved another one of Whitlock’s recommendations as they approved the hiring of former Clinton Prairie basketball standout Amie Anthrop as the new girls’ basketball coach replacing Jessica Johnson.