Next fall, math teacher Jacinda Sohalski will replace current math department chair Vicki Tribul. Sohalski said she will work alongside Tribul for the remainder of the school year to acclimate herself to the position.

Sohalski, who teaches Honors Algebra II, calculus survey and AP Calculus AB, said many factors were considered in her decision to apply for the position.

“The first people I talked to were my husband and kids,” she said. “This position takes a lot of time, but they were okay with it.”

Sohalski said she also discussed the idea with colleagues from schools she has worked at in the past to gain an understanding of what the job would entail. Sohalski said she is glad the position will combine her leadership skills with her love for classroom teaching.

“I serve on a few committees, so I have a strong leadership background,” Sohalski said. “But I wouldn’t want to leave this (the classroom).”

However, Sohalski said she expects her biggest challenge to be the implementation of the RISE standards.

She said, “A lot of teachers are very nervous about the evaluations because it’s so new, and that will take some time to understand and implement.”

According to Principal John Williams, Sohalski stood out for her experience and leadership at this school.

The administration has also interviewed candidates to replace current industrial technology department chair Mark Haltom. According to Williams, he will announce Haltom’s replacement sometime in April.

“I had planned to finish that before spring break,” Williams said, “but we’ll have to wait until April.” By Laura Peng