News editor
Hillsboro High School Principal Max Heinrichs said goodbye to USD 410 last year, his sights eagerly set on a new career direction in educational consulting.
It took a while for Heinrichs to build his clientele in his new position with ESSDACK in Hutchinson, but by mid-year he was settled in, loved the work, and anticipated a long stay.
Then came the news that Superintendent Steve Noble was leaving.
“It’s a crazy thing,” Heinrichs said. “I wasn’t expecting Hillsboro to open. It would be the only job I’d apply for. To have a chance to come home and lead again in the school district, I couldn’t pass on that opportunity.”
USD 410 board members were glad he couldn’t, as last week they chose Heinrichs to be Noble’s successor.
“I didn’t know how Hillsboro would react, but I’m sure glad they gave me an interview and it worked out my way,” Heinrichs said.
Heinrichs is a home-grown product. He graduated from Hillsboro High School, attended Tabor College, and aside from a stint at Minneapolis High School, worked his way up in the district from paraprofessional to high school principal, and now superintendent.
While the job opening was a surprise, Heinrich said Noble’s move to Topeka-Seaman was a logical professional step.
“Steve has an awesome opportunity in front of him,” he said. “He’s a young guy, I’ve got him by about eight or nine years. He’s got a lot of potential in him and can do a lot of good things.”
Heinrichs doesn’t try to hide his enthusiasm for his new challenge.
“I’m excited about it. I’m humbled and happy to have this opportunity; I really want to do this,” he said. “I’ve been lucky. Everything seems to work out well for me. It will be my goal to come in with the same energy and vigor as every other job and create the aspirations we want to have happen.”