By James Windell
South Haven High School started the year without a principal. A search for a replacement for Joe Allen, the 2024-2025 high school principal, has been going on since he resigned this past summer to accept the position of Superintendent of Schools for Covert Public Schools
However, an announcement from Superintendent Ana Alemán-Putman’s office declares that a new principal has been hired.
After a thorough interview process that included staff, parent, and student interviews, Amy Cockburn (pronounced co-burn) has been hired to take Allen’s place.
In the brief announcement posted on October 3 on the school’s website, Cockburn will begin her duties on October 13, 2025. The statement indicates that Cockburn brings “a strong background of experiences and leadership that will serve our students, staff, and families well. She is deeply student-focused, instructionally strong, and committed to ensuring every student thrives.”
Allison Johnson, Assistant to the Superintendent, on October 6, said that Cockburn has served previous school districts as principal, vice-principal, curriculum director, and acting superintendent. However, she declined to give any more specific information about Cockburn’s background stating she did not want to violate her privacy.
Johnson did reiterate that Cockburn had interviews with school staff, as well with parents and students, and “She did fantastic with all the different groups.”
