The school board had used the services of the University Search Team beginning last fall to solicit applications for the position. According to Board Pres-ident Todd Samuelson, nine applications were received. The board narrowed the applications down to three that were considered in the final round of interviews.
Samuelson said they had a number of qualified candidates for the position. As Samuelson recommended Tyree for the post, he said, “I know he’s up for the task.” He added, “I know he (Tyree) has earned this vote for his years of service and commitment.”
Board member Frank Brubaker echoed Samuel-son’s comments saying, “It came down to Dan’s (Tyree) commitment to the school and the school system.” Brubaker said, “This is the most serious responsibility we have had as board members.”
Larry Pinkerton, board member and former Ply-mouth High School principal said, “I’ve watched Dan as a teacher, speech coach, and administrator. I have the utmost confidence in him.”
Dr. Damon Peigh, who has served since near the beginning of the year as interim superintendent, has agreed to stay on during the transition period.
Tyree’s contract will be for a three-year period and is effective immediately.
After the announcement, Tyree said, “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I couldn’t think of a better home or school system to lead in northern Indiana.”
Tyree began his teaching career at Manchester High School from 1976 to 1977. He then transferred to Knox High School for the years 1977-1979. He started with the Plymouth Schools in 1979 as a language arts teacher, a position he held until 1999. At that time, Tyree was promoted to assistant principal as PHS.
His duties as assistant superintendent included, but were not limited to: Overseeing the Transportation and Food Service Departments, adult education, English as a New Language program and student services. He also supervised curriculum, institution, assessment, professional development, federal grants program, textbook adoption, safe and drug free schools committee, and the facility usage committee.
Tyree aided in the development of the corporation’s wellness program, K-12 Writing program, K-4 reading program and hiring strategic plan.
For many years, Tyree was the head speech coach of the PHS Speech and Debate teams. He continues to serve on the Indiana High School Forensic Association Executive Council. He has been inducted into both the IHSFA Speech and Debate Hall of Fame and the National Forensic League Hall of Fame,
He was named “Teacher of the Year” by the National Federation in 1996 and “Teacher of the Year” in 1977 by the Manchester College Alumni.
Tyree’s family was present at the meeting on April 3. They include his wife Charlotte, daughters Katie and Nancy, and son Jon.