Mark Barhorst, now with the Vandalia Butler schools, was hired Nov. 4 as the new director of human resources and business manager of the Troy City Schools.

A Sidney native, Barhorst has been in human resources and operations with the Vandalia-Butler schools for three years. He previously worked for the Sidney schools.

He will fill the position being vacated effective Jan. 3 by Marion Stout. She is leaving after more than 25 years with the district for a job with the Miami County Educational Service Center in Troy.

“It is very sad we are losing Marion … But, on the flip side, I think Mark has all the tools and skills to step in and do the job running,” Superintendent Eric Herman told the board.

Herman said the interview process followed was “a little different because I truly believe we need to make sure people fit in. So, we spend more time talking, getting to know each other.”

It was obvious Barhorst had all the professional qualifications required, Herman said, adding, “We have to make sure people we have here can get along with and deal with (the others) on a personal level.”

Barhorst, who will join the district Dec. 5, will make $125,000 a year. His contract is for two and one half years.

Stout said she serves on a state committee with Barhorst. “I think he is going to be great addition to the team,” she said.

Barhorst said he is pleased to become a part of the Troy schools. “It’s a great district. I’ve known Marion for years. I know things are in good shape here,” he said. “I feel like my whole career has led to this.”

The board at the Nov. 4 meeting also hired Angela DeGideo as a secretary/receptionist at the Board of Education.