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Hancock High to get new principal as Ruppenthal replaces Mulledy

by Geoff Fox

For the fourth time since 2017, Hancock Middle-Senior High School will be led by a new principal when school starts on Monday, August 29.

During their May 3 meeting, Washington County Public Schools officials approved 33 staff changes throughout the system. Two are related to Hancock.

School board members approved the transfer of Hancock Middle-Senior High School Principal Amanda Mulledy to Clear Spring High School.

Springfield Middle School Principal Jennifer Ruppenthal will transfer out of her current post to become the newest principal at Hancock Middle-Senior High School.

Jennifer Ruppenthal.

Ruppenthal is a native of Hancock and said she is looking forward to taking the lead here.

“I am honored and excited to be coming to Hancock Middle Senior High School for the 2022-2023 school year as principal. I’m returning to my home community with 30 years of experience which I plan to utilize when serving this coming year,” Ruppenthal told The Hancock News.

“I believe every student has unlimited potential to be successful.  Every decision that is made everyday will be about what is best for students,” she said.

Ruppenthal lives in Hagerstown with her husband Tim, and two children, Bryce and Courtney.

Her transfer to Hancock will take effect July 1.

In chain reaction moves, Mulledy’s move to Clear Spring replaces Timothy Eskridge who is taking the helm at Smithsburg High School. The Smithsburg post was occupied by former Hancock Principal Christopher Cline.  Mulledy replaced Cline in 2020 after he was transferred to Smithsburg.

This summer, Cline is slated to become the new principal at E. Russell Hicks Middle School.

Boonsboro Middle Principal Lindsey Avara is taking Ruppenthal’s position at Springfield Middle School.

When Ruppenthal takes her place in the Hancock principal’s office, she will be the fifth principal since 2011.

“I look forward to working with the students, staff, and families of the Hancock community,” said Ruppenthal.

Kate Shunney contributed to this story.

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