In a last minute addition to the agenda, the Centennial School Board named Dennis Best as the next principal of William Tennent High School at its meeting Tuesday evening. 

Best is currently the principal of Klinger Middle School; he will transition into his new role after a successor for his current position is in place. 

Barbara Stevenson has been serving as the interim principal at the high school since Eileen Poroszok retired in August 2012. Prior to her retirement, Poroszok took a leave of absence in November 2011. She served as Tennent’s principal for 13 years.

In December 2012, the district announced a meet the candidate forum where two candidates for the high school principal position were to be introduced for questions from the public, but the forum was subsequently cancelled due to "the proximity to the holiday break and low anticipated attendance." 

Several board members spoke at the meeting and offered their support to Best in his new role within the district. 

“It was a very thorough process and you came out the best, so we congratulate you,” said Board Member Steve Adams. 

Speaking as the board’s liaison to the middle school, Board Member Mark Miller said Best would be missed at Klinger. He wished him well and also asked him to keep his promise.  

Centennial School District Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Cressman said she was “delighted” by Best’s appointment.

She said Best has a great challenge before him “in moving the high school to the next level, where it belongs.”

“It has been too long dormant,” she added.

Best offered a few words at the meeting, including thanking the board for the opportunity to serve as the next principal at WTHS and expressing excitement at being able to serve the district in a different capacity. 

He thanked the entire Klinger staff and student population for allowing him to “cut his teeth as an administrator for the past six years.”

Best ended his remarks by saying he looks forward to “achieving great organizational success” with the staff of WTHS.

Best’s appointment will officially begin after the permanent positions of principal and vice principal at Klinger Middle School have been filled.