Tilden Hogge Elementary School’s site-based decision-making council, made up of three faculty representatives and two parent representatives, have completed their search for a new principal and have selected Larry Tapp to take over the helm at Tilden Hogge Elementary School. Tapp will be replacing Debbie Howes, who was recently named as the Rowan County Senior High School’s new principal.
Larry Tapp, a graduate of Morehead State University, began his career in education as a teacher in the Montgomery County System at both the elementary and middle school levels. After spending more than 18 years in the classroom, Tapp took on an administrative role over 7 years ago with positions at middle schools in Bullitt County, Carroll County, Bourbon County, and, most recently, Carter County.
“The schools in which I have worked range from small to very large student populations and have had different economical situations, from a small rural district to a very large urban school district,” said Tapp. “In those districts, we have been able to make changes that have created better learning environments for both staff and students. I have also spent a great deal of time in the community building relationships with parents and community members to help us make the changes.”
After receiving training from Kentucky Department of Education representatives to guide the Tilden Hogge Elementary School council members in the selection of a new principal, the council members began the intensive search for the school’s next principal. Angela Money, one of the three faculty representatives on the council, said of the search, “The hiring of a new principal for our school was not easy. From all the candidates that we met with, we all felt that Mr. Tapp stood out. With his 26 years of experience in education and the devotion he has shown toward his students, we felt that he would be a good fit with the Tilden Hogge Elementary School community. I know that I am excited about getting the opportunity to work with him.”
“I know that the council had a tough decision to make in finding someone who could fill the shoes of Debbie Howes,” said Rowan County Schools Superintendent Marvin Moore. “They worked very hard and spent many hours in making their decision, but they believed that Mr. Tapp would be the kind of community-oriented person who would fit in at their school and with the entire Rowan County Schools community.”
“Tilden Hogge Elementary is very fortunate to have had so many highly qualified and wonderful applicants for the principal position,” said Jennifer Anderson, who served as one of two parent representatives on the school’s site-based decision-making council. “After reviewing the parent and teacher surveys, my fellow council members and I believe that Mr. Tapp is exactly what our school needs. His concern for our children’s education, safety, and enjoyment during school hours is extraordinary. His experience and love of children will only help encourage our students and our community to be their very best.”
