HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) — On Monday night, the Huntington County Community School Corporation's (HCCSC) school board oversaw several changes, but the biggest came immediately. "The first one will be the new agenda D1, the resignation of a school board member," said HCCSC Superintendent John Trout. The school board president, Matt Roth, was the member resigning. The board didn't give a reason for him stepping away, but Trout had many kind words for him. "Mr. Roth has always served with unwavering dignity, integrity and loyalty throughout his tenure, always placing the needs of our students first," Trout said. "Mr. Roth has shared his talent, time and energy generously." Trout continued to praise Roth's leadership, crediting his "steady guidance" with the district's success. The process to replace Roth starts when the board officially declares a vacancy in Huntington County Court. That notice will be sent Dec. 30, which will start a 30-day clock for the district to fill the position. That same day, there will also be a public announcement of the vacancy. From Dec. 30 to Jan. 9, applications for the open position will be available at the central office and online, all applications have to be completed and submitted by noon on Jan. 10. The board expected to have public interviews with candidates the week of Jan. 13. The board will then make a public decision. WANE 15 has reached out to both Roth and the district for further comment but has not heard back. Huntington North High School's New Principal Another personnel move saw the board select a new principal for Huntington North High School (HNHS). Rus Degitz was chosen by the board with a 5-1 vote. Degitz served as the schools president in the past and also taught as a social studies teacher as HNHS. The sole dissenting vote was 7th district school board member Ryan Wall. "I've known Russ since I was an employee here at HCCSC, and I always looked up on him when he was principal," Wall said. "But today, I cannot vote for him based on since he left HCCSC, but I thought it was wise to say I can't support that right now." It's unclear exactly what Wall was referring to, but since resigning as principal at HNHS in 2019, Degitz served as the chief operating officer of Huntington University. While Wall didn't get into exact reasons for his vote, public comments did reveal negative opinions of his time with Huntington University. "Dr. Degitz's tenure as chief operating officer at Huntington University is deeply troubling. During his time there, the university faced one of its most publicized scandals, a toxic athlete culture resulting in criminal convictions," said Hank Miller, a concerned parent who spoke during the meeting. "To those who argue that Dr. Degitz cannot be held accountable ... I ask this: what is leadership if not the responsibility to protect and guide those under your care?" However, Superintendant Trout gave him a glowing review. "Do I go into this blindly? No," Trout said. "I am proudly recommending Dr. Russ Degitz as the new principal of Huntington North High School." The decision was greeted with a round of applause at the meeting, after which Degitz addressed the board. "It's humbling because I didn't ask anyone to be here tonight, there's a lot going through my head, but I'll speak from the heart right here because that's how I've served in education for 23 years," Degitz said. "I assure you as school board members that your trust in me will not waver because I will treat every single student in this building as if they are my own. I feel like I've done that with integrity and character for 23 years, and that won't change. My job for you and this community is to go and earn that trust each and every day." HCCSC's Director of Primary Education Jay Peters followed Degitz's address, confirming what Trout had already said about him. "Our school board and administrative team are excited to welcome Dr. Degitz back to the viking family," Peters said. Degitz is slated to start Jan. 1.