MHS principal will be new superintendent at Ellsworth
Sports reporter
Ken Arnhold wasn't born in Marion.
His only relative in town is his wife Terri, and he's lived here only one quarter of his life. But hear him talk of the "Town Between two Lakes," and you would think he not only was born here, but raised as well.
"There are a lot of things that drew me to this area," Arnhold said. "It was just a really good fit for my family."
The Hays native, who will be finishing up his 11th and final year as principal at Marion High School next month, liked the small-town feel of Marion, but the not-too-far location from bigger cities such as Wichita.
"[Marion] doesn't have the big issues, such as gangs," he said.
What it does have, according to Arnhold, is a nice park, good people, and maybe most importantly, great schools.
Arnhold knew the athletics, activities, and academics all ranked high at MHS, and his three children could benefit from the school.
"You're talking about an ideal area," he said.
An area that would become home for the Arnhold family for more than a decade.
The next step
His decision was not an easy one. After all, his job was "comfortable" and his staff was second to none. But he and Terri knew the time had come to move on. So, effective July 1, Arnhold will become superintendent of USD 327 in Ellsworth. A town that will be closer to both his and Terry's families.
"It was a tough career move," he said. "But it was time to take a step up."
While Arnhold is excited about his new job, it doesn't come without some negatives.
"It's going to be tough leaving the staff here, friends, and the community," he said. "There are some good things happening here in Marion, America."
One of which is a new school project that will include a performing arts center, indoor pool, and gymnasium.
Ironically, at Ellsworth Arnhold will be a big part of a school bond issue interlocked with the city for a new gymnasium.
Arnhold likes the similarities of the towns, including the size, and general attitude of the community.
"They are side-by-side in line," he said. "Ellsworth is a good fit."
Challenges ahead
Arnhold acknowledged the fact the move from principal to superintendent won't be easy, but that is one of the reasons he wanted to take the job.
"They're taking a gamble with me. There are a lot of things I will have to learn," he said. "A lot of challenges, but good challenges."
Calling off school for one, is something Arnhold has never had to deal with. From now on, he will be paying close attention to the weather early in the morning.
The business side of the job will be new to him as well, but he will have a business manager to help with the process.
The thought of his first superintendent job excites him and makes him nervous, but he knows if he needs help, he only has to look to Marion.
Current Marion-Florence USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker, and former superintendent Gerry Henderson have both offered advice for Arnhold if needed.
Arnhold said he appreciated the offers, and will probably be calling them.
"There are so many things I don't know, it's scary," Arnhold said. "I'm not the type of guy who shoots from the hip or tries to make a decision without knowing the information. I'm not afraid to ask for directions — ask my wife."
Time to go
In 11 years Arnhold has seen his three kids, Leah, Levi, and Chelsea, experience the school system, and life in general in Marion.
He is grateful for the opportunities his children had, and the knowledge they were growing up in a safe town.
His children were involved in plays, musicals, athletics, and academics, and Arnhold knew at some schools, bigger and smaller, they may not have had the same opportunities.
"It's a great place for my children to graduate from," he said.
He also believes it's a great place to teach. His children, and every other child at MHS, were lucky to learn under his staff.
"We have a very low turnover rate here," Arnhold said. "It's usually only because of a retirement."
He said the staff and administration have been great, giving him a long leash he maybe didn't always deserve.
"Sometimes I come up with some pretty bizarre ideas," he said with a laugh, "and they are like, well, let's give it a try."
Now he and Terri are giving this next step a try.
"It will be a tough move for us," Arnhold said. "You just hope you make the right decision."
Arnhold will be visiting Marion, and who knows, maybe retirement will lead him back to his second home.
"We'll be back a lot," he said. "I've got a lot vested in this community."
The community could say the same for him.
