Former Steinert principal rehired to old job, takes pay cut
HAMILTON » The next principal of Steinert High School could be described as an administrative homecoming king.
That’s because Nathan “Nate” Webber, former principal of Steinert, is slated to retake the reins and resume his old job effective July 1.
“I am proud and honored to return to Steinert High School as Principal,” Webber said in a recent letter to parents and guardians. “It is my goal to provide the kind of leadership that will enable a school environment which provides the differentiated instruction necessary to meet the needs of each and every student. We will consistently inspire our students to reach his or her maximum potential ability in all areas.”
Webber previously served as principal from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. He stepped down after that year to accept a career promotion to serve as the Hamilton Township School District’s director of secondary education.
Webber was earning $146,200 per year in his powerful director job, but when Steinert’s current principal James Fazzone announced in April his pending retirement effective July 1, Webber suddenly became interested in taking a modest pay cut for the chance to serve again as Steinert’s No. 1 administrator.
The Hamilton Township Board of Education voted June 13 to rehire Webber as Steinert High School principal effective July 1. He will earn $139,000 per year as Steinert’s next principal, which is about $10,000 less than what he would have earned if he had accepted an annual administrative staff reappointment to continue serving as the secondary education director.
By all accounts, Webber wanted to return to his old stomping grounds to be with the students rather than be holed up at the school district’s central administrative building on Park Avenue.
“It is my sincere pleasure to become a member of this great school community,” Webber said in his letter to parents dated June 14. “Steinert High School enjoys a rich history of academic and cultural excellence that is the result of a collegial partnership between the school staff and community. I will continue this well respected tradition and focus on what is best for the students of Steinert.”
“I am truly honored to be appointed to this position,” Webber added, “and am looking forward to working with dedicated staff and parents to provide the best possible educational programs for our students.”
Records at Nottingham High School when he made 6,221 three-pointers out of 8,574 attempts over a 24-hour period in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society, according to buckslocalnews.com.
Not only does Webber have the confidence of the Hamilton school board, Hamilton’s new Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Rocco has also expressed confidence in Webber’s leadership skills.
“Mr. Webber has a proven track record as a principal and administrator in our district,” Rocco said June 14 in a letter to the Steinert High School community. “He is dedicated to the success of our students and to working with the staff and community. When the principal position became available, Mr. Webber expressed an enthusiastic interest in returning to the Steinert High School community and continuing the great work he started two years ago, and establishing the stability needed in the principal’s office.”
Steinert over the last four years had unsteady leadership stemming from principals serving relatively short terms since the departure of former principal Kelly Mattis in 2013.
Webber is scheduled to host an hour-long “Meet the Principal” event at Steinert’s media center from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug.22.