Snyder is a local educator with close to 10 years of experience. He has filled various roles in the Northwestern Local, West Liberty-Salem and Madison Plains school districts, but this will be his first position as a head principal. He is also a graduate of Jonathan Alder High School.
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“I feel like the experiences I’ve had in the different places has prepared me for this,” Snyder said. “I’m very excited. It’s an age group I love working with. The ‘superhero’ outlook (the kids) have on the people around them — their teachers, the staff — it’s pretty neat to see that ingrained respect they still have.”
He said as principal, he wants to promote more community involvement.
“One of my main focuses as soon as I hit the ground is gonna be how can we get the parents and the community in the school more in a positive facet,” Snyder said.
Snyder has been working with former Rolling Hills principal, Scott Blackburn, to evaluate what’s working and to learn the faces that make up the school. Rolling Hills has about 500 students and 25-30 staff members.
In a time of increased security, especially in school settings, Snyder said safety will be a top priority when it comes to Rolling Hills’ daily operations.
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“Parents are trusting us with their kids each and every single day, so we want to make sure not only the kids feel safe, but the parents feel comfortable, safe and confident in us,” he said.
Northeastern Local Schools Superintendent John Kronour said Snyder stood out from a number of candidates for the position.
“What really set Drew apart was that personality, communication skills, and he really has a way of putting people at ease,” Kronour said. “It definitely adds to the presence that he’s a local.”
Snyder will come into the school district not long after voters approved a 37-year, $79 million bond issue in May to construct two new K-12 buildings on both sides of the district. Kronour said he’s hopeful the schools will be ready for the 2021-2022 school year.
The Board of Education also voted to hire Chuck Raterman as the new Northeastern High School Athletic Director. Raterman was previously the athletic director for Urbana City Schools for 10 years before serving in his current role as a career-based intervention teacher at Northeastern High School.
“We’re excited about having someone of his caliber and the experience he brings to the position,” Kronour said.
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