Rep. Tim Moore, R-Farwell, accepts elementary school principal post

   FARWELL — When third-graders from Farwell Elementary School visit the state capitol this November, they may have a very informed guide.
     Two sources have confirmed to The Clare Sentinel that State Rep. Tim Moore, R-Farwell, has accepted the post of elementary school principal.
     Jason Wadaga, aide to Rep. Moore, said Wednesday, Feb. 24, that the state representative “has been offered the job and he’s accepted.”
     Wadaga had provided the representative with phone messages from The Sentinel, which he did not return. According to Wadaga, Moore did not have details about the job to provide at the time.
     Wadaga said he did not know if Moore would resign before his final term in the state Legislature ended.
     Moore pulled out of the race for the 35th Michigan Senate seat in February, citing his dislike for the time commitment away from his wife and three young sons if he were to be elected.
     Included in that announcement was a promise to stay committed to his constituents in the 97th house district for the remainder of his term. There are three Republicans, including Joel Johnson of Clare, and two Democrats campaigning for the house seat.     Moore has been state representative for five years and is term limited at the close of this year.
     Sue Robison, administrative secretary at Farwell Area Schools, said news of the job offer has been circulating around school but she had no details to give.
     Robison is Moore’s mother-in-law.
     Robison did say the Board of Education is expected to take action on the matter at the next board meeting March 15.
     The last day for Diane Wilberding as principal is in June, according to Robison.
     School Superintendent Dave Peterson was out of town last week and unavailable to comment for this story. A superintendent has authority to hire a principal with board approval.
     Since December, the school Web site has advertised an opening for elementary principal.
     Starting date would be no later than Aug. 1.
     Primary responsibilities include “provide leadership and supervision of elementary school students, discipline, teacher evaluation, curriculum development, parent involvement and “must be willing to obtain state certification in elementary administration.”
     Five other qualifications listed are for administrative duties, educational leadership, instructing children from a broad socio-economic background and diverse cultures, broad theoretical knowledge of modern learning theory, child growth and development, evidence of patience, among other things.
     Interested candidates had until Jan. 29 to submit application packets.
     Moore sits on standing Michigan House of Representative committees for insurance, health policy, senior health, security and retirement, family and children’s services.
     According to the Michigan Department of Education, a new administrator must have completed six semester hours or 18 state board continuing education credits within a 5-year period prior to employment as a school administrator.
     Credit hours don’t have to be in education.
     Moore earned a business administration degree from Ferris State University in 1989.
     Prior to his election in November 2004, he owned and operated the Farwell Napa Auto Parts store with his father from 1993 until 2006. Moore was re-elected in 2006 and 2008.