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Dr. Hankins accepts new position
prashu SIDELLA
The Board of Education has approved the hiring of Principal Dr. Steve Hankins as the assistant superintendent of student services, beginning July 1. Dr. Hankins is replacing Terry Harris, who resigned in January.
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This new role encompasses various jobs such as dealing with residency, nursing, guidance and even social work. The main goal is to provide the services students need to succeed.
“I have always loved being the principal of MHS, but this is also an opportunity to impact the district hopefully in a wider and positive scope,” Dr. Hankins said.
This is Dr. Hankins’ fourth year as the head principal. Previously, he was associate principal for four years, an assistant principal for six years and even taught here as a social studies teacher for 10 years before that.
He said his time at MHS has been an unbelievable experience that has caused him to grow as a leader.
“This really has been home for me for so many years. It’s hard to leave this school to an extent, but I’m still around, so they’re not gonna get rid of me altogether,” Dr. Hankins said.
Anya Moola, junior, echoed that Dr. Hankins has led the school through many difficult situations including the COVID shutdown, virtual learning and the loss of students and a principal.
“I think he has made a huge impact and the school will not be the same with him gone,” Moola said.
Even though not every student can personally talk to Dr. Hankins on a regular basis, Moola said, everyone still feels his presence.
Senior Principal Dr. Rick Regina has worked closely with Dr. Hankins since the 2000s.
“It’s been great working with Dr. Hankins. His door is always open,” Dr. Regina said. “Anytime I have a question, he’s responsive and very collaborative.”
Dr. Regina said Dr. Hankins is a great leader, good teammate and always open for advice.
“That part makes me a little sad, that I won’t see him every day, but I’m happy for him and I know that he’s only a phone call away,” Dr. Regina said.
Dr. Hankins would like the MHS community to focus on the good ahead.
“There’s always gonna be hard times, there are always gonna be setbacks. If that’s where your focus is, you’ll never move forward,” Dr. Hankins said. “So this staff, this community, these parents, these students, they’re resilient. So just keep your focus on what’s ahead and know that you can get through anything.”