Hobart School Board names new facilities director

The Hobart School Board approved hiring retired Hobart Police Lt. Ryan Snedecor Thursday as the district’s new director of facilities.

Snedecor retired last month after 20 years with the police department. He spent one year as a school resource officer at Joan Martin Elementary. He rose through the police ranks, serving as a patrolman, K-9 officer and patrol supervisor.

He is replacing Felix Perry, who retired.

Superintendent Peggy Buffington recommended Snedecor’s hiring, acknowledging his police background but also his work in construction prior to joining the police department. She said he worked in commercial and residential construction and has specialized in electrical work.

While with the police department, Buffington said Snedecor studied project management and worked in administration.

He signed a two-year contract at $93,726 annually. It expires June 30, 2027.

“It’s an outstanding opportunity,” said Snedecor, who’s the son of former Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor. “I’m so excited to get started to work with everybody and to be able to use some of the skills that I’ve learned over the last 21 years as a police officer working in the city.”

In other business, Buffington told the board the district has attracted 62 new students since it opened its enrollment recently. Applications are still being taken, she said. Hobart had an enrollment of 4,068 students last year.

She said she is cautioning seniors who transfer because of athletics that they won’t get to play varsity because of state rules.

“We’re keeping an eye on our enrollment and hope to welcome a few more students. We have a little room and we’re happy to take them,” she said.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.