Assistant Principal Stepping Up to Lead IHHS

Indian Hills High School assistant principal Joseph Collins is stepping up to lead the school following his appointment by the RIH Board of Education at a meeting last week.

Replacing Al Evangelista, who announced his retirement in April, Collins began his responsibilities on Monday. His annual salary in the new post will be $153,000.

The search to replace Evangelista, who spent 41 years in the district and nine in the top administrative position at Indian Hills, began with over 30 applicants from both within the regional high school district and from outside, interim superintendent Beverly MacKay said.

The pool was narrowed down over multiple rounds of interviews with a search committee comprised of teachers, administrators, parents and supervisors as well as the board of education’s personnel and evaluation committee.

“We were looking for candidates with strong administrative experience, strong organization skills, and strong technology skills,” MacKay said, adding that the latter skill set was especially important as the high schools prepare for implementation of a one-to-one initiative in the coming school year.

In the end, the process zeroed in on Evangelista’s number two, whose tenure in the district rivals the outgoing principal’s.

MacKay said that Collins has worked in the district for nearly 40 years, nine as assistant principal, and during his years has worked extensively with many of the school’s extra-curricular clubs and sports teams.