Two new administrators take their helms in MSDMV

By Lois Mittino Gray

Two new fresh faces with decades of experience in education will be joining the administrative team of the Mount Vernon School District. At the regular school board meeting of May 18, Mount Vernon School Superintendent Stephanie Stewart announced that Jay A. Hille will be the Assistant Principal of Mount Vernon Junior High School and Kalyn Herrmann will be the Principal at Farmersville Elementary School. Both appointments will become effective on July 1, 2026 for the upcoming school year.

Jay Hille has been in education for 28 years with 20 of those in administration in middle and high schools. An Evansville native, he attended Reitz High School and was graduated from Murray State University with a PE/Health Education degree, with a minor in Social Studies. He earned his Master of Arts graduate degree from Oakland City University in Building Administration.

Hille started out in McLean County, Ky., back in 1997 teaching high school Driver’s Education and Physical Education. He came back to his home state to work for the Evansville School system. He began work in alternative schools as a US History/Health teacher at Henry Reis Alternative School. From there, he was appointed Principal at the Christa McAuliffe Middle School for two years. His next assignment was at Washington Middle School for four years as Assistant Principal and then another three years at that location as Principal. He worked a five-year stint as Assistant Principal at Central High School and then another five years as one at Perry Heights School.

“Afterwards, I left Evansville Schools and became employed with the University of Southern Indiana. I went to the USI Athletic Department and worked with struggling at-risk athletes on their academics. I have a true passion for working with students and can’t wait to be part of the Mount Vernon Junior High faculty and staff,” he remarked.

Hille enjoys spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and their five shared kids and their spouses. He resides in Evansville near the University Parkway. He loves the Atlanta Braves, Indiana University, the Chicago Bears, and playing golf.

Kalyn Herrmann will be the new Principal of Farmersville Elementary School. She has 14 years of experience as an elementary school Principal at Saints Peter and Paul School in Haubstadt, Ind. A native of Covington, Ind., she was graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in Elementary Education. Her Master of Science graduate degree is from Indiana State University in Elementary Education with administrative licensure.

“In the past 28 years, I have had the privilege of serving students, teachers, and families in several capacities. I was a first and third grade teacher in a classroom, then an elementary school principal for 14 years, and most recently as an instructional coach. For the past five years, I have worked as an instructional coach with teachers to help them realize their goals,” she explained.

“Personally, my husband, Joe, and I are the proud parents of three wonderful children: Kate, Matthew, and Nicholas. They are all in college now, ranging in age from the twins at 22 and one at 20 years. As a parent, I understand firsthand the trust you place in a school every single day, and I hope to carry that perspective with me into this new role.”

“Professionally, my career in education has been a deeply rewarding journey. I am genuinely honored to be the new principal of Farmersville Elementary, and I can’t wait to learn the school’s traditions and celebrate upcoming achievements. I look forward to connecting with the entire school community and having an amazing school year.”

Herrmann lives in Posey County near St. Philip Road. “I am delighted to go back to administration and be able to live so close to my school,” she added.

Twelve applications were received for the Assistant Principal position and Hille was chosen from among the six persons interviewed. He replaces Staci Reese who was promoted to junior high Principal. Seven applications were received for the Farmersville Elementary School position and three persons were granted interviews. Herrmann replaces Kristen Dutkiewicz who is now head of Special Services.