New principal at Kaneland

Kaneland High School gets a new principal, while Batavia High School loses an assistant one.

The Kaneland school board Monday hired Theodore “Chip” Hickman to replace Kaneland’s interim principal, Greg Fantozzi, starting July 1.

Fantozzi has served since July 2009, when Tony Valente quit. Fantozzi retired from Geneva High School in 2008.

“I’m excited, and I can’t wait to begin the work in front of us,” Hickman told the board.

Eighty-four people applied for the job. There were four finalists interviewed Feb. 1, and two Feb. 10. There were written and performance tasks. Students, administrators, board members, faculty and community residents took part in the interview process.

Hickman has been an assistant principal in Batavia for seven years. He is pursuing a doctoral degree.

Hickman will be paid $118,000 plus benefits.