By Mark Johnson
During a conversation with Dr. Nicholas Wahl, the new superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, a question is posed to him.
“If you were to compare yourself to any character from the movies or literature, who would it be?” he was asked.
After reflecting on the question, he gave this answer: “Well,” he said, “My wife, Korie, says that I remind her of Atticus Finch of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She says that, like Atticus, I always stand up for what I believe. Like Atticus, I am also a father of two, Brady and Haley, and that is my most important job.”
Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that Wahl deems the students the most important part of his decision-making process.
“I make decisions based on what is best for the students,” he said. “I have experience as an elementary school principal, as a middle school teacher and as a high school coach. I care very deeply about students’ academic growth and achievement, but we must also be mindful of our students’ social and emotional growth.”
Indeed, Wahl brings a wealth of educational experience to Carmel Clay. Previously, he spent 17 years in the Illinois public education system, with eight of those years as superintendent of Hinsdale Township. Yet, as an Indiana native, he sees his appointment as superintendent of Carmel Clay schools as a homecoming.
“I have always been aware of Carmel Clay’s tradition of excellence. This is very much a community-based school system, and it is a community that embraces education and opportunity,” he explained.
In fact, that sense of community is a strength which Wahl highly regards.
“First, I want to spend time listening to the stakeholders in our school system, the parents, the students, the teachers, and administrators,” he said. “This year, I look forward to working with the school board. I am looking forward to working in a spirit of collaboration, to get that traction and that momentum to do things together. I also want to spend time with our students, listening to them. I always find dialogue with our students informative and energizing.”
Throughout the conversation, Wahl continually demonstrated his passion for education by stressing the need for students to be the focus of attention.
“My goal is to maintain and enhance the student programs that we have. As a community and a school system, we need to monitor, through data, the wellness of our students. We need to support our students socially and emotionally, as well as academically.”
“The formula for success is here in the Carmel Clay community,” Wahl concluded. “We have parents who embrace education and students who embrace the rigor academically, athletically and in the arts. In the 21st century, as we march through an increasingly global society, we want to cultivate that innovative spirit.”
THE DETAILS
On Aug. 6, the Carmel Clay School Board announced its decision to hire Dr. Nicholas Wahl as its new superintendent. He is expected to begin Aug. 28. Wahl replaces former Supt. Jeff Swensson who resigned June 9, more than a year before his five-year contract was scheduled to end. Dr. Stephen Tegarden has been serving as interim superintendent since June 10.
In accordance with Indiana law, Wahl’s proposed contract will be posted on the CCS district website, www1.ccs.k12.in.us/. An opportunity for public input on the contract is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Carmel Clay Educational Services Center, 5201 E. Main St. The board anticipates taking final action on the contract at a special meeting on Aug. 28 at 6:45 a.m. with a short reception to follow.
