After spending six months preparing for the start of the school year, Kristi McInerney, a self-described type A planner, was more than prepared for September. Her plan: to homeschool all four of her children for this upcoming school year. It was the first time she would be teaching them all at the same time. After all the preparation was complete, the McInerneys were enjoying what started off as a leisurely Labor Day.
“We were in the car when my phone rang. I picked it up and the voice on the other end was Dr. Hartzler. I said, ‘Hi, Dr. Hartzler. How are you?’ He said, ‘Kristi, I will be much better if you say yes to this next question.’ I grabbed my husband’s arm because I knew right there whatever he was about to say was going to be big,” said McInerney.
Dr. Hubert Hartzler, Superintendent at Timothy Christian School was calling McInerney to ask her to consider serving as Elementary Principal at Timothy Christian School for the start of the school year. Former TCS Elementary Principal, Jayne Babij, had given her notice the Friday before the start of school, after just being offered a position with Christian Union Ministries on the campus of Princeton University.
It was a life changing decision that had to be decided on that day.
“I told Dr. Hartzler he would hear back from me in an hour. We pulled over to the side of the road and prayed.”
The rest is history, as TCS welcomed Mrs. McInerney to the new position just in time for her to welcome all new families and returning students the very next day at Meet Your Teacher.
“This is really my dream job.”
We praise the Lord for working out all the details in His perfect timing. With a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, Kristi McInerney is more than qualified to lead as elementary principal. Before taking time out to raise her children, she spent 7 years as a teacher here at TCS.
“She is the type of candidate you have to have after examining dozens of applications,” says Dr. Hartzler. “We are more than blessed to have her here.”
“I want my teachers to know that I support them 100 percent. I really want to be a blessing to them and their biggest asset. I want excellence in everything,” says McInerney. “My goal for the students at TCS is to be excited about learning new curriculum and growing deeper in their knowledge of Christ. I want the families to feel confident knowing their children are being educated and loved in a safe learning environment.”
McInerney is incredibly thankful to be working at a Christian School where she can pray with students and use the Word of God to show them right from wrong as well as God’s love and grace.