The Collinsville Unit 10 School Board voted unanimously Thursday to hire David G. Snider as the new Collinsville High School principal.

David G. Snider was named principal of Collinsville High School on July 17, 2014 / Photo by Roger Starkey

Snider comes to CHS from Staunton, Ill,, where he spent two years as the high school principal. The Carlinville, Ill. native made previous stops in Paxton and Palos Hills after starting his teaching career with about 10 years as a biology and health teacher at Manteno.

Snider had two years remaining on his contract at Staunton, but said the opportunity at CHS was one on which he could not pass.

“Collinsville obviously has a great tradition,” Snider said.

Superintendent Bob Green said Snider is direct and good with students and staff. His previous two employers called Snider a hard worker with good communication skills, Green said.

“I think he will be the type of leader we need,” Green said.

Snider has a love for kids and is passionate about his work, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Kelly Carpenter said. Snider is a good fit for his new staff, she said.

“We have a great staff down there (at CHS),” Carpenter said. “We need someone that will work well with them.”

A former college baseball player who splits season tickets for the St. Louis Cardinals, Snider said he was drawn to Collinsville High School because he enjoys the opportunity to work in a diverse environment. He is also likes the wide variety of courses offered by the school.

Snider will soon relocate to live within the Collinsville school district and looks forward to getting to know the students and staff at CHS and “making the school the best we can have in Collinsville.”

Asked to describe his leadership style, Snider said he would rather let his actions speak louder than his words, but offered a peek at what CHS colleagues and students can expect.

“I’d like to think I’m a collaborative type person,” Snider said.