New principal takes after fatal bus accident in Indianapolis
New principal takes after fatal bus accident in Indianapolis
A silver star sits above the reception desk that says: "Stars keep on shining."
Jered Pennington, a 38-year-old educator, is two weeks into the school year as the new principal, The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/2bZCEal).
The former assistant principal in Noblesville Schools is at the helm of a school recovering from the sudden death of Jordan, the longtime principal who was killed in January during dismissal when a school bus jumped the curb.
The death stunned students, staff and parents, who credited Jordan for cultivating a warm atmosphere at the elementary school where hugs in the hallways were a frequent occurrence.
Jordan was honored for her last act: pushing students to safety as the bus launched onto a curb after the driver did not properly use the parking brake.
The Marion County prosecutor's office declined to file charges.
Pennington moved through the school on a Tuesday morning as students sunk into their routines after summer vacation.
Knowing he is a sports fan, the students surprised him with baseball jerseys that said "ABE All Stars" on the front and their names on the back.
At a lunch for families, the students unveiled the jerseys and sang the school song.
A teacher and administrator for 15 years, Pennington last worked as an assistant principal at Promise Road Elementary in Noblesville.
Crousore started working at the school under Jordan's leadership, then saw interim principal Connie Thomas come out of retirement to help smooth a school in crisis.
[...] Pennington wasn't looking for jobs when the position was posted.