Medford High School Will See Great Change Next Year As Current Principal Leaves

After leading the small-town high school on the hill for numerous years, Medford High School Principal Kevin Babcock is ready for a new challenge. 

Earlier this week, Babcock accepted the superintendent position of Tri-City United Schools.

Between January 26th and the 28th, the Tri-City United School Board interviewed six candidates before narrowing their decision down to two candidates: Babcock and Elementary Principal Jeff Wilson of Brooklyn Center Community Schools.

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According to the People's Press, "The two candidates were about neck and neck in the TCU School Board’s evaluation following the first round of interviews, but in the second round, Babcock won over the board as the unanimous favorite."

The only concern was that Babcock was scheduled to interview with the Waterville-Elysian-Morristown School Board later that night as one of three second-round finalists for their superintendent position.

Minnesota School Board Association Deputy Executive Director Gary Lee explained the trouble with that situation saying:

"You need to decide if you want to roll the dice and say Babcock is your choice, go all in on that, and if he doesn’t accept it, start the search process over again. Most candidates who already applied will not apply again. You will be starting over from scratch. The question is: ‘If you go with Kevin first, are you then going to go with Jeff second?"

(Let's be honest, no one ever wants to be the second option.)

Thankfully, the gamble paid off.

“Kevin has shown our board that he meets and exceeds the hiring criteria established by our board and stakeholders,” said TCU School Board Chair Marsha Franek. “As the new leader of TCU Public Schools, Kevin will be able to build on the past work and successes that TCU is known for. We are excited for this next chapter of student achievements to begin.”

Babcock will tentatively start his new role on July 1st.

Though the city of Medford will miss him, we wish him the best of luck in his next adventure. 

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