(August 13, 2007)

With the new school year almost here, the CCISD finds itself with a vacancy in the principals office at Carroll High School. The current principal, Steve Van Matre, is reportedly leaving to become superintendent with the Sinton ISD.

We're told this definitely came as a surprise to CCISD trustees who were meeting Monday night. Van Matre was one of the most popular principals ever at Carroll. that's what make his decision to leave difficult for everyone involved.

Back in May, Odem-Edroy ISD named Van Matre as the sole finalist for it's superintendent's job. But after staff and students heard about the job offer, they pleaded with their principal to stay. It may have had an affect on his decision because he didn't accept the job. But this time, the Sinton job turned out to be another matter.

Van Matre decided to take this job and told the district about his plans and then addressed his staff. Carroll coach, Leslie Winegeart says he will be missed, "he was a good leader here but the same time we understand, he talked to us this morning and the opportunity that he has at Sinton is just one he can't pass up."

Another coach at the high school feels the same way, "we're going to miss him a lot. He was probably a guy who brought our school back up to prominence the way it was in the past," said Lee Yeager.

The CCISD school board acted quickly to replace Van Matre, at Monday's meeting they selected, Dr. Robert Templeton from Cullen Middle School to fill the vacancy, effective immediately. They also named his replacement at Cullen, Dr. Jenitta Rupp, from Calk Elementary.