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Warren board hires HS principal

Warren High School will start the 2018-19 school year with a new leader, but someone already well known on the campus.

Ryan Lemley, who has been assistant principal at the school for five years, was confirmed as principal by the Warren Local Schools board of education Monday night. He replaces Ben Cunningham, who announced his retirement in May.

Superintendent Kyle Newton said Tuesday that there were several candidates for the job but Lemley stood out.

“He’s definitely the person for the job,” Newton said.

Lemley came to Warren from Southern High School in Meigs County, where he was a social studies teacher. His background includes work as an athletic director and coaching in several sports, including baseball, football and volleyball.

“He and I have worked together for the past five years,” Newton said. “I got to see him develop as a leader, building relationships with the staff and the community. He’s been extremely impressive in his development and thirst for improving himself.”

Newton said the assistant principal position, which normally includes disciplinary and scheduling functions, is not a natural post from which to cultivate the kind of authority required of a principal.

“The growth doesn’t just happen, it takes a lot of work, and he’s put the work in, he’s put the time in,” he said. “As an assistant principal, it’s hard to grow but Ryan’s really flourished. You have to choose to do that.”

Warren board president Debbie West said she was pleased with the hire, which the board approved unanimously.

“He’s done a great job as assistant principal, and I’m very confident that he’ll be able to step up and serve the students and the district,” she said.

Lemley will be paid $89,718.64 for 2018-19, district treasurer Melcie Wells said.

Lemley was on vacation and could not be contacted by The Times on Tuesday.

Ryan Lemley

¯Age: 44.

¯ New position: Principal, Warren High School.

¯ Came to Warren Local Schools: 2013.

¯ Background: Teacher, athletic director, assistant principal.

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