Asst. Principal Jane Hitch chosen after extensive candidate search
Westfield Washington Schools has announced that effective July 1, Jane Hitch will assume the role of principal of Oak Trace Elementary School.
Most recently, Hitch served as assistant principal at Oak Trace since June 2017. Prior to that, she taught at the school for seven years. Other education experience includes teaching stints in Hancock County and East Allen County Schools as well as six years supervising student teachers at Purdue University.
Hitch
“I am so excited to continue serving Oak Trace Elementary School in this new role and keep preparing our youngest Shamrocks for future successes,” Hitch said. “Oak Trace is an amazing school community. I am looking forward to the challenge of the future as we continue to make connections and learn and grow together. I’m thankful for the opportunity to take all that I’ve learned and give it back to the students, staff and families of Oak Trace.”
Taking the helm of a building with approximately 530 students and about 60 staff members, the Indiana native will become only the building’s second principal in its 20-year history.
Dr. Paul Kaiser, newly-named superintendent of Westfield Washington Schools says he is excited to work with Hitch.
“I look forward to Jane taking over as principal and continuing the academic excellence for which Oak Trace is known,” Kaiser said. “Jane’s outstanding rapport with the staff and students and her already impressive educational career will add much to the continued future successes at Oak Trace. I look forward to working with her. I also want to thank Robin Lynch for her many years of service as principal of Oak Trace Elementary School.
Westfield Washington Schools HR Director Chris Baldwin said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jane for many years and I have confidence that she’ll provide great leadership to the staff, students and parents at Oak Trace Elementary School and continue the great educational environment that has been in place since the school’s opening twenty years ago.”
Hitch received her master’s degree in elementary and middle school principalship and administration from Indiana University and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Purdue University. Jane and her husband Ron are Westfield residents and have two children who both attended WWS for their K-12 education.