The Plymouth School Board has picked a South Bend school administrator to take over as assistant superintendent.
Jill VanDriessche was chosen from a field of over 25 applicants, after a thorough screening and interview process, according to Superintendent Andy Hartley. “She comes to us from South Bend Schools, where she spent her entire career, either as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, or an elementary principal,” Hartley said. “I’m really excited about her experience and leadership that she’s going to bring to us. It’s going to be valuable in assuring all students are going to achieve and high levels. And aside from that, I’m pretty confident in her core beliefs and values that she’s going to be right in line with what we embody as an organization. We’re excited about that.”
The Plymouth School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to give VanDriessche a three-year contract. She officially takes over as assistant superintendent on August 16. VanDriessche told board members she’s excited to join their team, and she promised to work tirelessly to make sure Plymouth children will have the best future possible.
For the past four years, VanDriessche has served as principal at Perley Fine Arts Academy. Before that, she worked as principal at Monroe Primary Center and assistant principal at Dickinson Intermediate Center.
Attending Tuesday’s school board meeting was a large group of VanDriessche’s family and friends, including her son and daughter, who will both attend Plymouth Schools this year. Her husband John VanDriessche serves as swim coach and teacher at Riley High School.
School Board President Todd Samuelson welcomed VanDriessche to the Plymouth Community School Corporation. “It’s a demanding position,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have you. The family support is critical and . . . to see that support, you’re incredibly lucky.”
VanDriessche will replace Andy Hartley as assistant superintendent, following his promotion to superintendent last month.
