North Newton School Corp. hires Trent Grider as varsity football coach

At a special Jan. 26 meeting, the North Newton School Corp. board approved hiring Trent Grider as the high school varsity football coach.

The appointment came on the board's first action item after Dr. Mike recommended Grider, saying, "we would like to recommend Mr. Trent Grider to be the varsity football coach at the high school," and noting Grider "had a very solid interview" and was "really excited about North Newton and being here as well as being a valuable member of our teaching staff." Dr. Mike introduced Grider's background and track record as the basis for the recommendation.

Board members discussed Grider's coaching experience. According to the meeting record, he has been a head coach at Highland (six years), at a Fort Wayne program (three years), and at Tri Central High (four or five years), a total the group cited as about 13 years of coaching experience. One board member asked whether interviewers had additional comments; another confirmed there had been a robust interview process.

The board moved and seconded the motion to approve Grider. The transcript records specific yes votes from members identified as Smith, Burns and Sam, and indicates the motion carried; a complete roll-call tally was not specified in the transcript.

The board then moved on to its second personnel item.