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USC chooses new superintendent

Board offers the position to Topinka; contract talks to begin soon

By Kevin Mertens - Staff Writer | Jan 22, 2023

Taylor Topinka answers questions from the School Board during his final interview last Thursday evening.

“You have put in a lot of time already,” South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) search consultant Harod Remme told the United South Central School Board regarding their quest to find a new superintendent for the district. “You interviewed four candidates to get down to two. Now, you have interviewed two candidates to get down to one.”

The board unanimously voted to offer the position to Taylor Topinka, pending successful contract negotiations.

After the board’s decision, Remme contacted Topinka who affirmed he wanted the superintendent’s job.

“The next step would be to enter into negotiations, which is normally done by the board chairman, and have a contract read for approval by the next regularly scheduled board meeting,” Remme explained. “You may also call a special board meeting to approve the contract.”

USC’s next board meeting would normally be held on Feb. 21.

In addition to Topinka, who is currently the principal for grades 7-12 and a secondary social studies teacher at Granada-Huntley-East Chain, the other finalist was Robert Routh, who is a member of the USC staff where he teaches 11th and 12th grade English.

“We had four good candidates to start with and we brought back the two

strongest ones,” board chairman Mike Schrader said. “Both of them would be passionate in their endeavors.”

Similar thoughts were shared by other board members.

“Both of the finalists have a lot to offer our district,” board member Diana Brooks commented. “We were fortunate to have four strong candidates.”

Routh’s final interview was held on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Topinka’s was held the next day. Both candidates also met with an administrative team from the school.

During their final interviews, the candidates were questioned about a wide variety of subjects. Many of the questions asked how they would personally deal with certain situations such as conflict resolution, employee evaluations and how they would connect with the different communities which comprise the USC School District.

They were also asked to share their knowledge and experience with school financing and strategic planning.

Following Topinka’s interview on Thursday, the board reviewed the results of the administrative team’s interviews before utilizing a point system to rate each candidate.

Remme tabulated the results and then addressed the board, “The point total suggests there is a clear choice for the position.”

And that choice was Topinka.

“His thoughts on strategic planning really impressed me,” board member Brittany Voigt said.

During his interview, Topinka told board members the Wells community is a place he and his wife, Stefanie, would like to be a part of.

“We want to put down roots and if I am chosen we would look forward to having our son go to school at USC,” Topinka said.

Topinka was also asked about his professional and personal goals.

“I will start with the least important one first, my professional goals,” Topinka answered. “My professional goal is to achieve the position of USC superintendent and I would like to finish my doctorate. For my personal goals I will say that family has to come first. I am very thankful for my wife and my son. I need to be a good husband, a good father, a good brother and a good son. My church life is also very important to me.”

Still, it was not an easy decision for the board.

“This weighs heavy on me,” Schrader commented. “This has been on my mind and I have spent a lot of time thinking about this. I am sure they will both be successful.”

Assuming contract negotiations are successful, Topinka’s first day on the job will be July 1. He will replace Keith Fleming, who is retiring effective June 30.