According to Sam Ison, Middletown’s Senior Director of Instructional Leadership, having three new principals in a school district at one time isn’t too unusual.
“It’s not unusual for a district this size,” said Ison. “We have 10 principals in the district, so to have three new ones, that’s not too bad. Last year we had two new principal hires with Carmella Cotter at Middletown High School and Dawn Cook at Mayfield Elementary.”
Rojas will earn $74,586 this school year. She has a background in administration at the Cincinnati Public Schools’ Gifted Academy. Prior to that she has worked as both a teacher and an administrator within the Fairfield City and Northwest Local school districts.
She replaces Adriene Martin, who took a job within the Lakota district.
Rojas earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Miami University.
“Growing up in the area, Middletown has always had a strong presence and tradition of community pride. You wear purple. You’re a Middie,” Rojas said. “There’s something special when you have one community with one focus that is supportive of one school.”
Rojas lives in Liberty Township. She has a son beginning his freshman year at Miami University and a daughter who’s a senior in high school.
Jebens replaces Kee Edwards at Rosa Parks Elementary. Edwards is moving over to Miller Ridge Elementary to take the place of retired principal Mike Lolli.
A school administrator for the past 11 years within the Cincinnati Public School system and a teacher for seven years before that, Jebens will earn $81,281.
“Middletown is a very strong community based city and that is one of the main reasons why I wanted to come out to this location,” Jebens said. “I would say I’m definitely looking forward to working with the community, as well as working with the teachers and students.”
Jebens resides in Liberty Township.
He earned his bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University, and received his master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati.
Dennis was the Monroe Junior High Principal last school year. With experience in the Edgewood and Lakota school districts as well, Dennis will earn $79,298 this year. She replaces Diane Suiter who retired.
“I know that Central Academy has a long history of providing a strong academic focus for individual student growth,” Dennis said. “So I’m really looking forward to working with the staff on making that focus even stronger. I’m excited.”
Dennis has been married 26 years to her husband, Vic. Their children Meredith, Hannah and Paul will be attending Miami University in the fall. Davis graduated from Ohio University.
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