The Indian Hill School District welcomes seasoned administrator Jim Nichols to central office in the role of director of operations, and Dr. Erin Owens to the role of Indian Hill Primary School principal with the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The District restructured administrative roles following the departure of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mark Ault, who left in July to begin serving the Three Rivers School District as superintendent.
“We sincerely appreciate the excellent service Dr. Ault provided to our students, our parents, and our staff since 2005 when he joined the District; we are incredibly excited for Dr. Ault as he begins this new chapter in his professional career,” said Indian Hill Superintendent Kirk Koennecke. “We have remarkable talent within our administrative team, and we felt this was the right moment to allow our administrators to take on expanded roles in their service to our District. We congratulate both of these deserving administrators as they transition into their new roles.
“Mr. Nichols developed an unparalleled program for our youngest Braves during his tenure as principal at Indian Hill Primary School; he brings expertise in human resources coupled with outstanding enthusiasm for our Indian Hill family to central office. Dr. Owens is an absolute educational leader with a deep understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs we need to provide to our youngest Braves. She will continue to grow the exemplary program at Indian Hill Primary School.”
Jim Nichols, Director of OperationsJim Nichols began serving the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District in 2011 as the principal of Indian Hill Primary School. In his new role, Nichols will specialize in human resources for the District. Nichols has served students and families in education since 1997, and prior to joining Indian Hill, he worked in administrative roles at Mason City Schools, Fairfield City Schools, and Loveland City Schools. Nichols holds a Master’s degree in Education from Wright State University, and received his Superintendent License from Miami University.
“Our professionals authentically care about our students as if they were our own children, and this is a practice that will continue,” said Nichols. “We create a nurturing environment dedicated to innovative learning for each child, and our team is never satisfied with status quo; our educators are continuous learners – always researching different approaches to growing students both academically and socially, and always on the lookout for best practices.”
Dr. Erin Owens, Indian Hill Primary School PrincipalDr. Erin Owens began serving the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District in 2018 as the assistant principal for both Indian Hill Primary School and Indian Hill Elementary School. She began serving students in 1997 as a teacher and served in several administrative roles with the Lakota School District prior to joining Indian Hill. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Miami University.
“Being a Brave means community,” said Dr. Owens. “There is a closeness between the staff and students that is apparent. The very best part of my day always has been, and always will be, when our students walk in the door and I have the chance to greet them with a smile, and to share that authentic joy that serving them brings to my life.”
The District plans to name a new assistant principal to serve both Indian Hill Primary School and Indian Hill Elementary School in the near future.
Photo caption: Jim Nichols and Dr. Erin Owens