The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
A Good Opportunity
Dear Editor,
The voters and students of Henderson County have the chance to voice their opinion on January 26, 2005 to the newly elected school board of West Central #235, now known as Union and Southern. They are making a decision about the new Superintendent that will affect all of our lives for many years. They have the chance to hire someone with the knowledge of our financially strapped districts and the ability to stretch every penny to the utmost point. His ability to write grants and utilize them to the benefit of all is a talent and gift which he has shared with our school district (Union #115) at no extra cost. His philosophy of maintaining our school has paid off and will continue to do so. This is a person who doesn't view this just as a 9 to 5 job, but rather his extended family. He doesn't care if a student is from Union or Southern, but rather what will be in the best interest of your child or your grandchild or your niece or nephew. This is so important and the school board needs to know where we stand on this. That is why I am asking each and every one of you to call a board member in support of Mr. Irlbeck, and or attend the next meeting at the Union school on January 26, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. We get very few opportunities to make a difference. Let's let the board, who we elected, hear us loud and clear. On another note, if Mr. Irlbeck is not employed by the new District, we will be waiting for a new Superintendent to step in on July 1, 2005.
Melissa Wallace
Carman
Board Endorses Principal and Superintendent
Dear Editor,
At the regular January Board Meeting of the Union CUSD 115 Board of Education, our board unanimously voted for me to draft and send a letter of support and vote of confidence for Mr. Dean Irlbeck and Ms. Jill Colley for the positions of CUSD 235 Superintendent -Elementary Principal respectively. This letter was sent to the District 235 Board.
Mr. Bill Allaman did not participate in our closed session. I have also volunteered to meet with the District 235 selection committee and/or full board to further discuss each of these candidates and their performance from a board member prospective.
Bottom line is each of these administrators are professionals with outstanding administrative skill sets and care and concern for the children of our consolidated district.
Mr. Irlbeck's business management skills can be matched against the best in the state. Although only on staff for one year, Ms. Colley has been a great addition to our administration. She has worked in the trenches with our elementary and junior high math department to identify test trends, specific disconnects in curriculum and corrective actions to correct less than adequate standardized test scores in math.
Finally, two of the greatest assets each brings to the district are somewhat intangible.
First, each of these administrators gave 110% unwavering support to our consolidation effort. There were periods of time where Mr. Irlbeck appeared to be working two full time jobs because of the work they were doing to support the Committee of Ten.
Second, each of these administrators are members of and/or have deep connections in our community. We have had principals who were "outsiders" and who tried to use textbook solutions to more complex socio-economic and behavioral issues that are unique to our district.
We now have a team who has the text book knowledge and administrative skill set and can tailor there responses to situations not only to the uniqueness of our community but even to individual students.
Mr. Irlbeck has been lauded by the principals as the coach of this team and each principal has demonstrated excellent execution in their administrative duties "on the field."
Our student body and community have responded to this administrative team. There is a huge, intangible value to having community members on the administrative team.
It is with sincere pleasure and with all due respect that the Union CUSD #115 Board of Education recommends Mr. Dean Irlbeck and Ms. Jill Colley for the positions of CUSD #235 Superintendent and Elementary Principal respectively.
Respectfully Submitted,
Doug Sams, President
Union Board of Education