Dan Enich

NEW CUMBERLAND — A long-time educator, coach and administrator will now be adding superintendent of Hancock County Schools to his resume.

During a special meeting Tuesday night, the Hancock County Board of Education unanimously selected Dan Enich to take the reins of the school district beginning July 1.

“My goal is to set a positive tone and direction for Hancock County Schools,” Enich said following the meeting. “I feel that the baton is being passed to me from some great superintendents over the years.”

Enich will inherit the job from current superintendent Dawn Petrovich, who has served in the position since 2019. The board voted 4-1 on March 8 not to renew Petrovich’s contract and begin the process of seeking a new superintendent.

Two special meetings were held last week as part of the interview process, with Board President Chris Gillette noting the board had considered two candidates.

“We thought it was best to stay within the county,” Gillette said, explaining if that had not worked out, interest would have been sought from elsewhere. “We’re very excited about it. We hope the transition is smooth.”

According to a copy of the employment contract agreed to as part of Tuesday’s meeting, Enich’s term will last until June 30, 2027. In his first year, he is set to earn an annual salary of $126,000, with the pay increased to $130,000 in the second year, $133,000 in the third year, and $136,000 in the final year.

Enich currently is director of career tech and adult education and director of the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center. Prior to that, he served as assistant superintendent of Hancock County Schools from 2017-2018, was head principal at Weir High from 2011-2016, head principal at Weir Middle from 2008-2011, and assistant principal at Weir Middle School, Weir High and Oak Glen High. He also has served as head coach of both the Weir High football and baseball teams.

He said he hopes to focus on areas including safety in the schools and communication within the school district.

“The Hancock County School System has great students, teachers, administrators, support staff and parents. They have great ideas and want to be heard. I want to hear them,” Enich said. “My goals, regardless of what I am, are to establish a great foundation, evaluate where we are, do it positively and with enthusiasm, adapt to the ever-changing landscape of education, keep our county relevant, and be successful and share that success.”

Enich expressed his appreciation to his wife, Lisa, and his family, especially Saya and Nick, for their support, and thanked the members of the school board for the opportunity to serve in the new role.