The Plymouth School Board has officially named replacements for two longtime staff members who’ll be retiring this month. Kyle Coffman was appointed principal of Riverside Intermediate School Tuesday, at the recommendation of Superintendent Andy Hartley. “Mr. Coffman quickly rose to the top of nearly 40 applicants,” Hartley said. “In addition, knowing the work that he has been able to accomplish as a teacher and as an assistant principal in our district, I’m confident in his skill set, attention to detail, compassionate leadership, and a desire to facilitate the success of others, especially our students.”
Coffman told board members he’s looking forward to working with Assistant Principal Ryan Welch and all the teachers at Riverside. “Everyone I’ve spoken to who works there says that it is like a family, a special place for students,” Coffman said. “And I am Rocket-ready and cannot wait for the ’18-’19 school year to begin.”
Coffman replaces Jeni Hirschy. She’s retiring on June 21, after six years as Riverside Intermediate School principal.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the Plymouth School Board appointed Michael Delp as the new high school athletic director. Hartley said that Delp stood out as the best candidate for what was a competitive position. “He has the skills and a vision for Big Red sports that will help honor the tradition of success Plymouth has experienced, while laying the groundwork for what high school sports will be, moving into the future,” Hartley said. “We’re confident in his abilities to serve our students and our community in this role. With your approval, he will be the fourth athletic director in the history of Plymouth High School.”
Delp has served as the boys high school tennis coach for the past 19 years and the co-director of the high school’s Weidner School of Inquiry for the past four years. He replaces Roy Benge, who’s retiring after 18 years as athletic director.
Delp told board members that Plymouth Athletics has been very important to him from an early age, noting that his grandfather Bob Hileman was the school’s first athletic director. Delp said he looks forward to carrying on the legacy of his three predecessors.
School board members, staff, and other community members congratulated Coffman and Delp on their promotions.
