Campbell board OKs hiring of school principal

Staff report

CAMPBELL

The Campbell Board of Education approved the hiring of James Klingensmith as the district’s new elementary- and middle- school principal for kindergarten through seventh grade, and at a salary of $81,298, at a special meeting Tuesday.

Klingensmith will replace Robert Walls, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Previously, Klingensmith was principal of Topsail Middle School in Hampstead, N.C., which serves more than 900 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and has received state recognition in proficiency and growth each year under his leadership.

Klingensmith has worked in both Ohio and North Carolina and has served as an English and journalism teacher, assistant principal and principal. He also has coached varsity football, baseball and track, and was a school yearbook and newspaper adviser.

A graduate of Poland Seminary High School, Klingensmith earned a bachelor’s degree in English education at Youngstown State University and a master’s in school administration and curriculum design from East Carolina University.

Matthew Bowen, superintendent of Campbell City Schools, said Klingensmith, whose father graduated from Campbell Memorial High School, “will bring a fresh outlook to the district and the community.”

“We are confident he will be a valuable asset to our children,” Bowen said. “We know he will bring a wealth of opportunities for our students and all community members.”