|
The year of 1997-98 was a time of difficulties for School District 5 — when chaos seemed to gain the upper hand. So when Joe McCracken was selected to fill the position of superintendent, his first order of business was morphing the disorder into order.
“(I want to be) able to show people that they can trust the things we’re going to do,” said McCracken. “I think the people are able to see that we are working in areas (of concern) and are beginning the process of trying to improve some of the areas that have been neglected.”
McCracken said his goals for the year were to bring the district back together, foster trust within the district, and help the district do the best job possible of educating students.
“(The school board) wanted me to help bridge the gap,” said McCracken. “I think they were looking for leadership to help lead our school district in the right direction.”
Former superintendent Alan Hafer left his position in May of 1998, leaving the school system with a scant two months to find a replacement.
“May to July was just not enough time,” said McCracken. “So now they have plenty of time to put everything together and advertise for new superintendents.”
McCracken was selected “because he was a skilled superintendent and was willing to come in for an interim year,” said school board chairman Carol McGuire. “He’s helped to bring the district back in focus on what the main concern is, and that’s the education of the children of this school district.”
McCracken wasn’t always so keen on the idea of becoming district superintendent because he felt there was too much work for one person to handle efficiently.
“I turned the job down when I was offered it (the first time) because I felt I could not handle everything that needed to be done,” said McCracken. “I felt there was a lack of administrative help in the central office in curriculum and personnel.”
The solution to the problem came in the form of assistant superintendent Dennis (Bud) Williams, also a candidate for the 1998-99 interim position. Williams’ responsibilities are in the areas of curriculum and personnel — areas which had previously been director-less.
“There are so many areas of responsibility, there are just a lot of things to do every day,” said Williams. “It (FHS) is a rural school atmosphere in a big school setting.”
Even with the extra help, McCracken is always in high gear following his rigorous and somewhat unpredictable daytime schedule.
“We (McCracken and Williams) stepped in with both feet running and we’re still going,” said McCracken. “We haven’t slowed down just because of the size of the school district and the issues that we want to address this school year.”
Feedback on McCracken’s and Williams’ performances has a decidedly positive streak to it.
“They are bringing us together, helping us communicate with each other,” said KJHS principal Moselle DePriest. “That’s been helpful for me working as part of a team rather than working in isolation in our schools. They have a lot of experience they’ve brought to us. I’ve always felt this was a very good district, and that with their expertise we will be an excellent district.” |
