Dear Kristy,

As you will likely see in the news today, Xenia Community Schools is recommending Todd M. Whalen to the XCS Board of Education for the position of Xenia High School Principal at the board’s upcoming regular meeting on Monday, March 11.

As I mentioned in the media release that was sent out this morning, I want you to know that I am excited by the energy, enthusiasm, and extensive experience that Mr. Whalen brings to the table for Xenia students and staff. The high school experience is critical for student success, and I believe he is the right leader to help us move the district forward and improve outcomes for students.

Mr. Whalen has an extensive background in education and school administration, and comes to the district most recently from Bellbrook High School, where he has served as Assistant Principal since August 2019. He also served as Interim Director of Special Education for that district in 2020-2021. 

Prior to his time in Ohio, he served in various teaching and leadership positions for districts in Waynesville, Missouri, as well as Charlotte, North Carolina and Salisbury, North Carolina. Over the past 18 years, he has been a teacher and coach, and has also held positions ranging from Dean of Students and Assistant Principal to Director of Student Services and Principal for three diverse districts in those areas.

Mr. Whalen holds a B.S. in AYA Education from the University of Dayton (2006), an M.A. in School Administration, Management and Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University (2011), and his Ed.S. in Educational Leadership-Superintendency from Arkansas State University (2019). 

Perhaps most importantly, he is also a proud graduate of the Xenia High School Class of 2002, and is very pleased to return to the district he grew up in.

“I am honored by the confidence and trust shown in me by the district, and am incredibly excited to get started in my new role with Xenia Schools,” Whalen said. “I am truly looking forward to getting to know the staff and students at Xenia High School as we work together to build on and continue the proud traditions built over many years. After all, once a Buccaneer, always a Buccaneer!”

Mr. Whalen replaces Principal David Torrence, who has been at Xenia High School since 2019 and will be retiring at the end of the current school year.

His new contract will be effective for the 2024-2025 school year, and will officially begin August 1, 2024.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Mr. Whalen to our community, and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.