By STEPHEN BARTLETT
PLATTSBURGH — Glenn Hurlock could likely be Plattsburgh High School's best principal, says Patricia Bentley.
Bentley and her fellow board members, acting on Superintendent James "Jake" Short's recommendation, unanimously appointed him Plattsburgh High School's next principal.
Hurlock starts his new position Jan. 1 at a yearly salary of $90,000.
"I believe Glenn's appointment as High School principal is based on his excellent performance as assistant principal at Plattsburgh High School," Bentley said Thursday night after Hurlock's appointment.
The post opened when the School Board denied former High School principal John Fairchild tenure.
Fairchild's dismissal provoked an outcry among many students, educators and community members who protested and spoke publicly in favor of Fairchild, who is now principal of Salmon River High School.
A total of 18 people applied for the job.
"We had a competitive, qualified pool of candidates," Bentley said.
The School Board narrowed the list to Hurlock and Catherine Oldenburg, who is vice commandant at Western New York Maritime Academy.
"These were two highly qualified candidates for the position," Bentley said.
Both candidates spoke at a recent open forum at the District Office in the Duken Building, outlining their strengths and vision for Plattsburgh High School.
Hurlock has helped lower the absentee rate and disciplinary incidents at Plattsburgh High School. He has also saved the School District money by reorganizing summer school and after-school instruction.
Hurlock envisions a High School that is a world-class institution that serves as a model for other high schools across the state.
"He (Hurlock) is a thoughtful educator, dedicated to student success and achievement," Bentley said. "He is ready to lead our High School by example and innovation.
"Our appointment is done with great expectation and total confidence that he could be the best principal at Plattsburgh High School," she continued. "It's time to build for the future."
E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com
