Merrillville, Ind. – At last night’s meeting, the Merrillville Community School Corporation Board of Trustees approved Superintendent Nick Brown’s recommendation to appoint a new elementary school principal.
Michelle Coughlin, Salk Elementary School assistant principal, will become the principal of Iddings Elementary School for the 2020-21 school year beginning July 1.
“Michelle has been an assistant principal in Merrillville School Corporation for three years,” said Brown. “She also served as the lead principal at last year’s summer programming.
“Michelle brings a wealth of experience as an instructional coach and assistant principal at Merrillville Community Schools,” he added. “I am excited for her and Iddings, as her experiences and skills will complement the good work already being done at the school.”
As Salk Elementary School assistant principal, Coughlin’s responsibilities included creating student schedules, evaluating teachers, monitoring and hiring aides, running the Safety and PBIS committees, serving as school test coordinator for third and fourth grade students for ILEARN and IREAD, and communicating with teachers, parents and students regarding all school matters.
Coughlin grew up attending the Merrillville schools and returned in 1999 as an elementary teacher, where she served at both Miller and Salk Elementary Schools. During the last 20 years, Coughlin also served in the capacities of literacy coach and dean of students at Merrillville Intermediate School.
“Being named the principal at Iddings Elementary is a great honor,” said Coughlin. “ I am excited to join the dedicated staff working hard for students each and every day.
“Merrillville Schools are focused on students and creating quality learning experiences in every classroom,” she added. “I look forward to taking the success that is in place at Iddings and continuing to work for the best interest of each and every student, the families and the community. I look forward to the chance to meet the students and families in person!”
Coughlin earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University and her administration certificate from Purdue University.