Published: July 18, 2008 04:27 pm            

Morrison schools see changes

It has been a summer of change for the Morrison Public Schools.

Jay Vernon was hired to replace long-time Superintendent Dennis Casey, who had spent 11 years at Morrison as football coach, teacher and principal then, after leaving for seven years, returned to serve as superintendent for eight years.

Vernon, who was hired last month, played football and was an assistant coach for Casey at Morrison before leaving to follow his own career path.

Casey accepted a job with the state CareerTech Department.

In addition to Vernon, Morrison also will have a new elementary principal, band teacher and girls’ basketball coach when school opens next month.

Linda Rieman, who was hired before Vernon was hired, has replaced Kathleen Norman as principal at Morrison Elementary. Vernon said Rieman has been a principal in Oilton and Hominy and spent the last few years at a Lutheran school in Perry.

“I’ve known her and her family for a long time,” Vernon said, adding Rieman taught at Sumner, west of Morrison, where Vernon attended school.

“She brings a wealth of educational knowledge with her,” Vernon said. “She’s an extremely positive and upbeat person who is here for the kids.”

Musically, Morrison students will be under the guidance of Catharine Ahls, the new band teacher. Vernon said Ahls recently graduated from Indiana State and is originally from Texas.

“That’s the only negative,” Vernon said laughing. “She’s a Longhorns fan.”

Hillary Patterson has moved over from Deer Creek-Lamont to take over the girls’ basketball and track programs at Morrison.

Patterson, who also will teach math, had spent the last several years at Deer Creek-Lamont coaching and teaching, Vernon said.

        

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