Tom Hahs
Principal, KACC
by Amber Olbrot
Being a principal is more than just giving students referrals and having a fancy name plate on a desk. There's more to it than what people might think. Luckily, Mr. Hahs took time to fill me in on what he does as our principal here at KACC.
Of course, like at any school, Mr. Hahs must deal with the typical misbehaviors of some students from time to time. That's just human nature. More importantly, Mr. Hahs is like a manager, providing leadership to his team, in this case, the faculty at KACC.
As principal, Mr. Hahs is involved in curriculum development, professional development of the faculty and also acts as a dean of students, so to speak. Since Mr. Hahs' arrival here at KACC in 1993, he has seen and been a part of many changes, especially in the area of technology.
Mr. Hahs works with fellow administrators to ensure teachers have adequate equipment and supplies to keep our classrooms up to date with industry. He also implemented computerization of the teacher grade books and helped implement the new Parent Connect program available on KACC's website. Parents can now get on line any time they choose to check on their child's progress.
Mr. Hahs certainly prepared himself well for a career in education. Following his graduation from Herscher High School, he attended Olivet Nazarene University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. Mr. Hahs then went on to Indiana State to be certified in drivers education. This allowed him to combine working and coaching high school basketball while continuing his formal education. Mr. Hahs earned his Masters in Guidance from Illinois State University. He continued to go to school while working until he earned his Administration Type 75 Certification.
Mr. Hahs first came to KACC as the Special Populations Coordinator. Following his first year, he was offered the opportunity to serve as principal and jumped at the offer. It appears he continues to enjoy working with the students here at KACC evidenced by the fact he gets to know the students and continues to be interested in our progress and success.
In addition to everything going on around KACC, Mr. Hahs also finds time to do quite a bit of officiating. During the fall, he officiates football at the Division I level around the Midwest. As soon as winter rolls in, you can see Mr. Hahs around our area officiating high school basketball games. Mr. Hahs has had a long career in officiating which he used to do alongside his father.
Although Mr. Hahs has a lot on his plate, he says he stays motivated by the examples set by his dad, both on and off the field. As a student here at KACC, I have to say we are very lucky to have Mr. Hahs here as our principal.
