Plainview Public Schools will continue to go through administrative transitions this year.
The school board named intermediate principal Julie Altom as interim superintendent at a special meeting Monday. The board accepted superintendent Steve Merlyn’s resignation at its regular meeting Nov. 9.
“He knows what is best for him and we are all supporting his decision in that,” Altom said of Merlyn’s resignation.
Merlyn’s last day will be Jan. 8, the Friday after students return from Christmas vacation. Altom will serve as the interim superintendent from January 11 through June 30.
“I accepted this because I care about Plainview and have a passion for Plainview,” said Altom.
The school board is looking for a new permanent superintendent for the 2010-11 school year. Applications have been accepted and the board is narrowing down candidates to interview.
“I am not applying to that position nor am I interested,” Altom said.
Altom will receive one-on-one training with Merlyn.
“I’ve started working with Mr. Merlyn for one hour a day and learning things to have a smooth transition,” Altom said.
During this time, finances are considered a priority as the state continues to cut funding.
“I will have to continue to look for ways to save money,” Altom said.
An interim intermediate principal has not been named, but Altom said help from the other principals will be crucial.
“I will do my best juggling some of this. I’ll have assistance from other administrators already in place,” Altom said.
Plainview also went through administrative changes earlier this school year. Wayne Moore was hired as the high school principal, Tim Parham moved from high school to middle school principal and Altom moved from middle school to intermediate principal.
While not applying for the permanent position, the interim position will help Altom plan for the future.
“This will give me an idea if I want to pursue being a superintendent as a career or not,” said Altom who has approximately 20 years left to work.
Altom graduated from Plainview in 1984 and majored in education at Oklahoma State University. She taught in Lewisville, Lubbock and Gainesville before returning to Plainview.
“From the beginning I majored in education, and it’s what I’ve always done,” Altom said.
Efforts to contact Merlyn by press time were unsuccessful.
Jennifer Lindsey
221-6536
