Gass chosen as finalist for CHS principal

<span>After a roughly two-hour special meeting on Thursday, the Chester District 139 Board of Education selected Dr. Sarah Gass (pronounced GAH-ss) of O'Fallon Township High School as the finalist for Chester High School's principal position.</span>

<span>"To me, her drive for knowledge of what we're already doing here and continue with what we've begun," said Chester District 139 Superintendent Chris Diddlebock on what stands out about Gass's selection. "She seems to be very well-rounded with great recommendations."</span>

<span>According to the school's website, Gass teaches Geometry and Advanced Geometry. Diddlebock said she recently received her doctorate.</span>

<span>"She was in a teaching position, but also had a lot of leadership roles," he said. "Not only (at O'Fallon), but with their regional office."</span>

<span>A phone call to the school revealed that Gass was unavailable on Friday. A message seeking comment was left on Gass's voicemail.</span>

<span>"My comment would be that all of us here at OTHS are very proud of her," said O'Fallon Township High School District 203 Superintendent Darcy Benway. "She continues to grow as an educational leader and we feel Chester High School is very fortunate to have her as its new leader."</span>

<span>Gass's selection still needs to be approved in a vote by the BOE, which will occur during Tuesday's regular meeting. If approved, Gass's first day as CHS principal will be July 1, according to Diddlebock.</span>

<span>"The recommendation is that she be hired," he said.</span>

<span>Gass was selected from a field of six final candidates. Diddlebock declined to reveal the names of the other five, telling the Herald Tribune that the candidates may or may not have notified their current employer of their interest in the position.</span>

<span>Current CHS Principal Tim Keefe, who previously submitted his resignation, has a June 30 end date with the district. </span>

<span>Diddlebock also gave an update on the superintendent's search as Diddlebock himself is resigning effective June 30. </span>

<span>"The Illinois Association of School Boards will be making a presentation (on Tuesday) with some ideas," Diddlebock said. "They have more experience than I do. Once (the board) hears from their representative, the board will make a decision on the direction they want to go."</span>

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