After 19 years at Prue Public Schools, Deborah Tennison said she sees her new job as Hilldale High School principal as “a nice career move.”

Some school officials and students say Tennison brings stability to the school.

“She’s an answer to our prayers,” said Hilldale senior English teacher Lee Ann Watson. “She handles problems professionally and gives us support — something we haven’t had for a long time.”

Tennison was hired Feb. 24 as Hilldale’s interim high school principal when Principal John Englebrecht took medical leave. The Hilldale Board of Education approved Tennison’s principal contract for the 2010 school year at its regular meeting Tuesday. Hilldale School Superintendent D.B. Merrill said Englebrecht remains on medical leave until June 30, but will not return to Hilldale.

Merrill said Tennison brings stability.

“She’s people-oriented and easy to approach,” he said. “When teachers are in the classroom, students are learning.”

Hilldale ninth-graders Alicia Thompson, Katelyn Horn and Sierra Leach said they like Tennison.

“She keeps things in order, she does a good job,” Katelyn said.

“I’m liking how she’s trying to make changes for the better and enforcing the rules,” Alicia said.

Tennison said she’s settling into her position.

“I met a lot of nice people and the kids here are family,” she said. “We have a lot of bright kids here.”

A 1983 graduate of Broken Arrow High School, Tennison said she had always wanted to be in education.

“I’m following along with a dream that I had,” she said.

Tennison earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Northeastern State University in 1986 and a master’s in curriculum and instruction at Oklahoma State University in 2001. She is working on a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum at the University of Oklahoma, where she expects to graduate in 2011.

Tennison began working as an elementary teacher at Prue, located near Sand Springs. Over 19 years at Prue, she served as athletic director, special education director, federal programs director and elementary principal. She was in her fourth year as high school principal.