Dover will be without a high school principal for the remainder of the school year, but will turn to other school leaders to fill the void and begin the search for a new one.

Nathan Nance and Shannen Nance both resigned their positions at Dover in December.

Shannen Nance was the elementary music teacher and the head slow-pitch softball and assistant fast-pitch softball coach.

Nathan Nance was in his third year as the junior high and high school principal and also served as athletic director.

The two cited family medical issues as their need to resign effective last month and those resignations were approved by Dover’s board of education.

On Wednesday, the board voted to approve opening the position of principal to begin the search for Nance’s replacement.

In the meantime, Superintendent Jay Wood and Elementary Principal Jared Reese will both take on extra responsibilities to fill the void left by Nance’s departure.

“The timing wasn’t ideal, but it was something that couldn’t be avoided,” said Wood. “Fortunately, we have a very capable and professional staff in place here at Dover and I’m confident we will all work together and make the very best of it.”

Building that “capable and professional staff” also played a role in Wood’s contract being extended by the board and earning a raise.

After an executive session, the board voted to extend his contract another year in order for him to continue working under a three-year contract.

The vote was unanimous by board members Nathan Guinn, Larry Harviston, Matilda Caldwell, Cortney Fuston and Michael Winn.

“He had not received a raise in a couple years and he was not asking for one,” said Guinn, the board’s president. “But we believe his outstanding work and dedication to Dover warranted a raise. We feel like we are lucky to have him here.”

Wood was hired in December 2021 to replace the retiring Max Thomas. He took over on July 1, 2022.

He made the move from his alma mater, Kingfisher High School.

He was hired to coach the KHS girls basketball program in 2015.

Wood led the program for four years before becoming the athletic director and assistant high school principal.

He was promoted to KHS principal for the 2021-22 school year before being hired by Dover.

“We think Jay is doing an excellent job. Since Jay came to Dover, he has hired some outstanding personnel,” Guinn continued. “With the financial stability and his great hires, Dover is now a destination school for students and personnel. In the last couple years, Dover has added backup generators and solar panels. This will ensure we provide a good environment for the students and also saving the school money for decades to come.

“Because of these changes, Jay has set the school up to thrive now and into the future.”

Board members also discussed the possibility of the district purchasing the Nances’ home, but chose to table that matter until at least March.

The couple placed a double- wide home on property owned by the district when they first started working for the school.

Board members opted to first give Nance the opportunity to sell the home before potentially moving forward with purchasing it.