By Lori Ehde
Luverne Middle School may lean on the experience of former educator Jim Harner while it seeks to fill its principal position.
Current Luverne Middle School Principal Dave Deragisch will begin his new superintendent duties in the Hills-Beaver Creek School District Jan. 1.
The Luverne district has advertised the position to fill his vacancy, but a new principal wouldn't start in Luverne until July, when the new school year begins.
During a Personnel Committee meeting last month, Harner was recommended for the interim principal position. He has informally agreed to the task, but the Luverne School Board hasn't taken action on the proposal.
"He's very excited, and so are we," Superintendent Vince Schaefer told board members at their meeting Thursday, Nov. 8. "He's still familiar with the system and there are still some familiar faces that he worked with."
Harner said he expects to return to many of the same job duties he used to perform, but he's expecting to work with new staff - some of whom used to be his students.
After 33 years in education, Harner retired from his duties as Luverne Middle School principal in 1993.
Harner came to Luverne in 1971 as high school principal, and his title became middle school principal when the school was restructured to reflect the middle school concept.
Since his retirement, Harner has worked part-time at Luverne Community Education as the defensive driving instructor.