School Begins Search for New Principal

Principal resigns, effective June 30, leaving an opening that the school board and administration plan to fill with community input and candidate interviews.

On Dec. 21, 2020, the school board approved principal Dan Dobner’s resignation. He will be ending his 19 years at HUHS in June.

Dobner did not have any particular reason to resign. He just wanted to look for something new in education as his youngest child graduated from high school.

“I know it sounds cliche, but [the most enjoyable part of my job] is truly working with students on a daily basis,” Dobner said. “I will forever be grateful for the time I have spent in Hartford. There are so many amazing students and staff that I will miss.”

Through the time math teacher Christine Dubnicka has spent with Dobner she believes that HUHS was very fortunate to have Dobner. She wishes him “success and happiness,” Dubnicka said. “Wherever he ends up, I know he will make a positive impact.”

Dobner hopes the new principal will be “someone who takes this great school to an even higher level.”

Before beginning the interview process, the school sent out a survey to HUHS students, parents, and guardians to create a profile for the new principal. They also posted the job opening on state websites.

After creating the profile the administrators, such as Lubus, then interviewed all the interested candidates to identify ones that would fit the profile. On Feb. 15, there will be a listening session with the selected candidates.

In the session HUHS students, parents, guardians, staff, and community members are invited to listen to the candidates. The candidates will be presented to the school board in the March school board meeting.

“I expect a lot of (student and community) participation,” Lubus said. “It is important to hear [students’ and community members’] voice in this process.”

Student Representative Junior Vincent Hesprich said “People do not work directly with the principal. Just seeing a positive aurora in the principal when you see it, will motivate students.” Hesprich also wants a principal who loves their job. According to Hesprich, kids can identify when a principal isn’t putting 100 percent into the job.

Dubnicka concurred and said, “The principal should be a visible presence in the halls so they can get the vibe of the school and stay in touch with what is truly happening.”