MONROE — School District of Monroe officials are moving to fill the interim principal’s job at Northside Elementary, as she takes over districtwide as interim superintendent of pupil services.

The announcement that Principal Amy Timmerman is taking Joe Monroe’s job on an interim basis came during an update at the Monday, February 24 school board meeting. She has been with the district 20 years, 17 of those as the principal at Northside. 

Monroe was director of pupil services for the district but was named interim Superintendent upon the departure of Superintendent Rodney Figueroa, who announced his plans, Jan 10. Figeroa’s tenure was short and he replaced Rick Waski, who was principal of Monroe High School from 2010 to 2013, then served as district administrator until 2022.

“I’m pretty excited about the opportunity, there’s no doubt about it,” said Timmerman, of her promotion to a new job at the district leadership level. “It’s perfect for what I do.”

In addition to teaching and education credentials, Timmerman has a background as a school psychologist and has plenty of insight into that service, which falls under pupil services in Monroe. The department includes deployment of school counselors, nurses, psychologists, and others to provide additional support to students.

Monroe praised Timmerman at the meeting for her knowledge and dedication to the district.

“Amy’s going to do incredible work as the director of pupil services,” said Monroe. “I’m confident that she will take everything that’s been done recently (in pupil services) and move it above and beyond.”

Meanwhile, he added that the search for an interim principal at Northside was on internally, with a deadline of last Friday to apply. The position also likely will be opened to outside applicants.

Timmerman said the idea of leaving Northside is “bittersweet,” for her and her staff.

“It has been like a family to me,” she said.

Monroe also acknowledged the impact Timmerman has had in her long service at the neighborhood school, one of three in the district.

“It’s important to say that the folks at Northside are less than thrilled about this news,” he said. “I think they are sad to lose such a leader because she has done such a great job.”

Timmerman alluded to her strengths in developing well-rounded students in her “principal’s message,” posted on the district web site for Northside: “I want all students to feel connected to their teachers, staff, and peers; for students to feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes; and for students to feel safe and supported (physically and emotionally).”