Sidney City Schools staff are ready to start the school year. This year the district welcomes new administration at Sidney High School, Sidney Middle School, Northwood Intermediate and the Board of Education office.
Veronica Gaier joins Sidney City Schools as the new principal at Sidney High School with 19 years of experience in education, most recently serving as principal at Lehman Catholic High School.
Gaier earned her bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education from the University of Dayton and her master’s in K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Walden University. She also earned her principal certification from the University of Dayton and a certificate in special education leadership from the University of Cincinnati.
Gaier taught for 16 years as a science teacher (grades 6-9) before becoming a principal. Gaier grew up in Colombia and graduated from Houston High School as a foreign exchange student. She became a naturalized citizen in 2007. She and her husband, Ben, have two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, cooking and meal prepping.
“I am looking forward to a great school year at Sidney High School,” Faier said. “I have a strong passion for creating opportunities for students for a brighter future based on relationships, community connections, and a high-quality education. I believe in collaboration and working together to give students the tools to lead their own journeys.
Eric Finke joins Sidney City Schools as assistant principal at Sidney Middle Schools with 27 years of educational experience, most recently serving as assistant middle school principal at Benjamin Logan Schools.
Finke earned his teaching degree and computer endorsement from Wright State University and his master’s and administrative degrees from the University of Dayton. Finke has worked as a fourth, fifth and eighth grade teacher in the St. Marys City, Sidney City, and Indian Lake Local School districts,as well as an administrator in Sidney City Schools.
Finke and his wife Leah, a teacher at Northwood Intermediate, have four children; the family loves playing all sorts of card and board games together and cheering on the Buckeyes and the Bengals.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Sidney City Schools,” Finke said. “I am eager to get the school year started knowing I can make a positive impact on students in the building. I want to encourage staff and students to set their goals high, and take one step each day towards achieving those goals to become the person they are made to be!”
Kristin Miller joins Sidney City Schools as assistant principal at Northwood Intermediate and will also be assisting at Whittier Early Childhood Center. This is Miller’s 15th year in education, most recently serving as principal for Community STEAM academy in Xenia, Ohio for grades 6-9.
She earned her bachelor’s in elementary education and master’s in educational leadership from Cedarville University and obtained her master’s in principal leadership from the University of Dayton. She has taught many grades from kindergarten through eighth at Cedar Cliff Local Schools, Northeastern Local Schools, Emmanuel Christian, and Clark-Shawnee Local Schools. She and her husband have three children and enjoy camping and attending their kids’ activities.
“I’m looking forward to working with Sidney’s staff at both Northwood Intermediate and Whittier Early Childhood Center doing what’s best for students and supporting teachers and parents alongside their child’s educational experience,” Miller said.
Jennie Hefner joins Sidney City Schools as the Director of Student Services with 24 years of experience in education, 18 of those spent as the Director of Special Education at Lima Shawnee Local Schools. Hefner earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Dayton.
Throughout her years as an educator, she has taught at the first grade level as a general education teacher and as an intervention specialist at multiple levels. She has also helped assist coaching in track as well as being a paraprofessional for students in sports.
She and her husband of 24 years have two adult children who attend the University of Kentucky and three grandchildren. As a family, they enjoy bowling, camping, golfing, and eating good food.
“I am looking forward to positive teamwork here,” Hefner said. “Collectively, we at Sidney City Schools have the ability to empower and inspire our students in unity for the future through a plan.”
Amber Johns joins Sidney City Schools as the Student Services Coordinator with more than 10 years of experience in education. Johns has spent the majority of her education career as an intervention specialist with Wapakoneta and Lima City Schools.
She earned her bachelor’s in middle childhood education from the University of Findlay, and her special education endorsement and master’s in leadership and curriculum development from Bluffton University.
Johns and her husband of 23 years have four children and two son-in-laws. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and learning, traveling, spending time outdoors, working out, and helping with outreach ministries.
“I am excited to collaborate with all of the Sidney City Schools staff to support our students,” Johns said. “I am all about relationships, positivity, and working together to empower staff in their roles.”
Stacy Barker joins Sidney City Schools as Director of Curriculum and Instruction with 17 years of educational experience, 15 of those in Lima City Schools. She spent 5.5 years as a special education teacher before becoming an elementary principal.
Barker earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Bowling Green State University and her master’s in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. She and her husband, Jim, have four children. Barker enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, gardening, and cooking/baking.
“I am excited to join Sidney City Schools and bring my love for education and passion for learning to the district,” Barker said. “I believe in creating an inspiring atmosphere that motivates educators and students to strive for excellence.”
Sidney City Schools superintendent Bob Humble expressed his excitement about the new administrative staff.
“This team of new administrators is exceptional. They are going to expand on the outstanding things already happening throughout our district,” Humble said.
New staff joins Sidney City Schools
New teaching staff at Sidney High School includes Parker Enoch, health/PE; Brianna Holtzapple, science; Ally Kaiser, English; and Craig Roderick, biology.
New teaching staff at Sidney Middle School includes Emily Bertke, fifth grade science and math; Amy Cain, seventh grade math; Jayon Golden, fifth grade intervention specialist; Renee Hall, seventh grade intervention specialist; Victoria Lammers, fifth grade ELA and social studies; Jacilyn Millhouse, fifth grade ELA and social studies; and Peyton New, fifth grade Science and ELA.
New teaching staff at Northwood Intermediate includes Jessica Fairchild, intervention specialist and cross-categorical; Kaitlynn Garber, third grade; Kaitlyn VanZant, third grade; and Macy Imwalle, fourth grade.
New teaching staff at Emerson Primary includes Haley Kramer, second grade; and Kaia Kruckeberg, intervention specialist.
New teaching staff at Longfellow Primary include Kayla Guaze, intervention specialist; and Kylie Trissell, first grade.
New Whittier Early Childhood Center teaching staff includes Breanna Large, preschool teacher; and Olivia Mumaw, preschool teacher.
Jacket Virtual Academy (JaVA) welcomes Shannon Hoke as an intervention specialist.
