HE IS THE EPITOME OF PROFESSIONAL.

Sitting in a room with Mark Kern's colleagues, listening to them reflect on and share memories of their time working with Mark, revealed the character of a man who has devoted his entire life to education. The same descriptive words kept coming to light over and over again, "class act, professional, kind, caring". Every administrator reflected, every administrator shared similar sentiments. Every administrator described Mark as the "epitome of professional".

Mark started his career in education 38 years ago. During that time, he has served as a teacher and an administrator and even spent one year working in the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy. "I am blessed. I have had a full career, and I have a love of the profession," said Mark.

"I am blessed. I have had a full career, and I have a love of the profession."

Mark has been a pillar in the school district and in the community for many years. He has been in Southern Hancock Schools for 18 years, and has served as the leader in all three of the elementary schools. "Whenever there was a need, Mark was ready and willing to accept the challenge. This has included accepting leadership roles in all three elementary buildings and guiding educators through different phases of change. Mark has been a calm, thoughtful leader who has brought order to every building under his direction," said Superintendent Lisa Lantrip.

Mark is currently serving as the Principal of Brandywine Elementary School. Prior to that, he was the Principal at Sugar Creek Elementary School. But, the majority of Mark's time in Southern Hancock Schools was spent as the Principal at New Palestine Elementary School (NPE).

One NPE parent described Mark's leadership, "One of the most special things about Mark Kern is that he knows the name of every student in his building. And even more than that, he knows the names of the parents, grandparents, and siblings. He knows his families. He cares about his families. He greets everyone who enters his building with a warm smile and a friendly hello. He is the face of his school and creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who enters his doors."

"One of the most special things about Mark Kern is that he knows the name of every student in his building. And even more than that, he knows the names of the parents, grandparents, and siblings."

Jim Voelz, Doe Creek Middle School Principal, said, "Mark leads by example." Mark has been a teacher, a leader, a source of knowledge, and a friend to many. As a mentor, Mark has demonstrated the many characteristics of a strong leader. He is respectful and respected.

Vincent Meo, Assistant Principal at NPE, laughed and reminded us of the fun Mark has brought to his buildings. "He always had great Halloween costumes," said Vincent. "He would always go big on fall party day." On the serious side, Vincent said, "Mark is always positive. He is a wonderful mentor." Mark has mentored many in his 38 years.

Mark Kern, Fall Party

Tiffany Buzan, Assistant Principal at Sugar Creek Elementary School, said, "Mark leads with grace and kindness. He is always kind, always professional. He leads with a servant heart."

"He is always kind, always professional. He leads with a servant heart."

Mark does have a servant heart. In retirement, he will be pursuing work in ministry. He will take his best qualities and put them to work supporting and caring for others.

Mark has been serving and supporting others near and far throughout his entire career. He has served district families and supported other families internationally when he shared experiences with a school in Argentina.

A heart for education runs deep in Mark's family. His wife, Pat, is a retired teacher. His son and daughter and their spouses are all educators. The Kern family is devoted to shaping the future for many young lives. And Mark has done just that. He has made a lasting, lifelong impact on many students and families.

Mark Kern, a dedicated leader

Mark says his time in Southern Hancock Schools has likewise made a lasting impact on him. He described what he thinks makes the district special, "We have good people in our schools. We have aspired to hire only the best. We have an excellent staff. We partner and work well with our community who has high expectations for us. We serve great kids with great families. That's what makes us a great school corporation." He continued, "We support one another. We stick together. We embrace a team effort, and focus on people and positive working relationships."

NPE Principal, Katy Eastes, said, "Mark hired me. I have never been in New Palestine schools without Mark. I will miss him."

Mark will indeed be missed. Superintendent, Lisa Lantrip said, "When I came to Southern Hancock Schools, I brought some photos with me for my office that made me feel at home. Prior to me joining Southern Hancock Schools, Mark and I had worked together through the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). It was fun to bring those photos." She continued, "Mark was a warm and welcoming presence during a big transition in my life. He helped me feel at home from the very start."

Dr. Lisa Lantrip, Superintendent; Mark Kern, Principal, Brandywine Elementary School

When asking Mark to share one special memory or highlight of his career, he said, "There is not one specific career highlight that stands out, but rather the overall highlight has been the opportunity to celebrate the many successes of all of the students, teachers, and staff over the years." He said, "The most special part of my career has been receiving pictures the students have drawn for me, the joy of seeing the kids meet milestones, the reward in seeing teachers and staff grow."

And, now it is a time for us to reflect and celebrate Mark's success. During a year that we have had an intentional focus on our schools being the "heart of the community", we celebrate and offer well wishes to a leader who was the "heart of the buildings he served". He embodies the very thing we know to be one of the greatest measures of success -- heart and character.

We are thankful for the years of heart Mark Kern gave to Southern Hancock Schools.

If you are interested in extending a thank you to Mark Kern for his years of service, please join us for a community reception on June 12th at 5:30 p.m. in the Corporation Office Board Room.

Mark Kern's family (L to R): Brittany (daughter), Pat (wife), Mark, Ryan (son), Abby (daughter-in-law), Rhett and Graham, grandchildren
Article written by Janet Mann

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