NACS board names new interim superintendent who happens to be familiar face

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - Board members with Northwest Allen County Schools announced Monday that former NACS superintendent Steve Yager will serve as the system’s new interim superintendent. Superintendent Chris Himsel continues his leave of absence for personal health reasons. Here is the release that district officials sent to our newsroom Monday evening:

Temporary superintendent of NACS brings familiarity

Fort Wayne, Ind. (Monday, Jan. 31, 2022)—The former Superintendent of Northwest Allen County Schools Steve Yager tonight was named the district’s temporary superintendent by Board of School Trustees while Superintendent Chris Himsel continues to be on leave.

“I feel honored to work with all the servant leaders here including certified and classified employees,” said Steve Yager, temporary superintendent, Northwest Allen County Schools. “We are all called to perform to the best of our abilities to nurture the girls and boys of our district.”

Yager worked for NACS from 1985 through 2009 with 19 years as superintendent. Yager was appointed by Ind. Senator David Long to the Indiana State Board of Education for four years. He was twice named Regional Superintendent of the Year. He also was recognized as the Indiana Educator of the Year in 2019.

“When I was elected Board President three weeks ago, Steve Yager was my first phone call,” said Ron Felger, school board president, NACS Board of School Trustees. “In my opinion, Steve is not only a great choice but is the best choice for temporary superintendent. He has my complete confidence and support.”

Dr. Gloria Shamanoff will return to her primary position as assistant superintendent starting Feb. 1, 2022. Shamanoff served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 13 when the board unanimously voted for her. “I’m delighted that Dr. Yager has agreed to be our temporary superintendent,” said Dr. Shamanoff, acting superintendent, Northwest Allen County Schools. “He comes to us with decades of experience and is highly regarded as an educator. He exemplifies integrity and dedication to public education.”

Yager began his tenure at Perry Hill and Huntertown when each served grades K-8, where he was responsible for 7 th and 8th graders in multiple capacities including principal, assistant principal, counselor, and athletic director for both schools for two years. From 1987 to 1990, he became principal of Carroll Junior High which is now called the Carroll Freshman Center. He left NACS to join Southwest Allen County Schools in the same post from 2009 to 2014.

Northwest Allen County Schools believes in providing a healthy and safe learning environment that engages, supports and challenges each learner in a culture of achievement and excellence. More information about NACS may be found at nacs.k12.in.us. NACS serves an estimated 7,922 students in 11 schools spanning three townships covering 108 square miles in Allen County.

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