ERLANGER — Two veteran educators will take over the top spots at Dixie Heights High School and Kenton Elementary School on July 1, leaving Kenton County Independent Schools with one principal vacancy to fill.

        Pat Goetz, 49, the assistant principal at River Ridge Elementary for the last two years, will replace Mary K. Nagel, who is retiring from Kenton Elementary.

        Kim Banta, 38, the assistant principal at Dixie Heights since 1997, is replacing Don Afterkirk, who is retiring after 31 years at the high school.

        The appointments mean Ryland Heights Elementary is the only school in the district without a principal. A replacement is expected to be named by the start of the school year.

        Ms. Goetz, a 12-year educator, predicts her biggest challenge will be getting to know everyone and the “culture of the school.” The additional responsibilities principals have assumed over the years did not scare her away from the job.

        “Coming into it, I do understand that it is incredibly time-consuming,” Ms. Goetz said.

        The Northern Kentucky University graduate began her career in Ludlow Independent Schools, where she taught for nearly 10 years. Ms. Goetz earned her master's degree and Rank 1 certification from NKU, and has her National Board Certification.

        Mrs. Banta started her career as a history teacher at Simon Kenton High School from 1987 to 1996. She received her bachelor's degree from Indiana University, master's from NKU and Rank 1 in administration from Xavier University.

        “I'm excited about the challenges ahead,” said Mrs. Banta, a 13-year educator. “The parents and students are wonderful at Dixie. The school's test scores have improved for the last four years and I want to continue that improvement.”

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