Ann Marie Thigpen is new Niles schools superintendent

NILES — Ann Marie Thigpen, appointed superintendent of Niles schools by a unanimous board of education vote, said she has high expectations for her role as the new district chief executive.

“I want to strengthen programs [because] I am committed to this district,” the new superintendent said to the warm applause of more than 40 people during the special board meeting tonight in the high school auditorium.

Her appointment marks a homecoming for Thigpen, 43, who is a native of Niles and a former school employee of 14 years, 10 of them as elementary school principal. She has been an administrator for Howland schools for the last six years.

Thigpen will earn a starting salary of $105,000 included in a three-year contract. Board President Tony Perrone said she will not be using the schools’ health care benefits because she plans to stay under her husband’s health care plan. Thigpen said her husband is a Warren City employee.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com