Box Elder Schools' Heppner to step down, Hannum tapped to succeed

Box Elder Public Schools announced this week that it is going to need a new high school principal by the summer.

The current principal, Darrin Hannum, will be moving up to the district superintendent position as of July 1.

The current superintendent, Robert Heppner, is drawing his half-century career, including 17 years in Box Elder, to another end. He had already come out of his first retirement to work at Box Elder.

"He's kind of feeling it's time to enjoy life a little bit, " Hannum said. "I was feeling like it's a transition I was looking for anyway. I'm excited about the opportunity, especially since he's just a phone call away. "

Heppner's colleagues in the district will miss him and the work he's done for the district.

"He's a pro's pro when it comes to being a superintendent, " Hannum said. "This place has improved tenfold since he's been here. You can just walk into the school and see the difference he's made. "

School Board Vice Chair Joe Rosette said he was appreciative of Heppner and confident in Hannum.

"(I admire Heppner) 's consistency, " Rosette said. "He was able to handle problems very well, any problems that ever rose. We're very appreciative of the service he's put into our school, and we wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

"I think Darrin will fill the role very well, because he knows our system very well. "

Recent board addition Lisa Friede said she hadn't been working with the administration for too long, but she is "very excited for Mr. Hannum to get a chance. "

Hannum realizes it's a big chance, noting that under Heppner's watch each of the three school levels in Box Elder have won the national Title I Distinguished School Award.

"We believe we are the only district in the nation to receive it for three years, at each level, " Hannum said.

"It's kind of a daunting task to try and replace someone like him, but at least he's laid a good foundation. And I have a mentor. "