Superintendent's Article - February 14, 2008

I want to offer my congratulations to fourteen of our high school students for qualifying for the State Speech and Debate Competition. These team members include Larry Beaver, Cody Scibetta, Melissa Kellams, Courtney Lantzer, Cari Glaser, Catie Hewitt, Julie Hopkins, Tyler Cross, Caroline Power, Joe Brenckle, Ashley Moore, Danielle Sams, Heidi Babos and Brandy Moser. Way to go team! Congratulations also to Speech Coach Kelly Ladd for her efforts, along with her assistants Josh Lee, Wendy Jackson, Chris Elkins, Chris Glaser and Chris Kamp.

The Hearts Dance was held on Saturday, February 9th, with over 600 students and guests in attendance. It was a fun night. Recognition should be extended to the LHS Student Council and Advisor Chris Zerby for hosting this event. The Hearts Dance Court includes Freshman Escort and Attendant - Preston Massey and Taylor Mills; Sophomore Escort and Attendant - Hunter Potts and Heather Potts; Junior Escort and Attendant - Dan Butera and Sarah Wade; Senior Escort and Attendant - Tony Shaheen and Brandy Moser; and King and Queen - Ron Davis and Marissa Couto. Congratulations to all for being selected. You represented your classes very well.

We have been meeting recently to discuss the upcoming community meetings about our facility plan. We are targeting two dates for the community to visit with us at the middle school to discuss the plan options for Phase II of the building project. We have assistance from architects Fanning and Howey and Construction Manager Carbone in developing the options. Please mark your calendars for one of the following meeting dates - Tuesday, March 25, or Monday, March 31. Both meetings will be held at 7:00 pm in the new middle school auditorium. See you there. By the way, these meetings are for the entire community...not just parents. Please come out and get informed.

The Superintendent search is underway. The Stark County Department of Education is assisting with the search. The timeline includes preliminary interviews in March and final interviews in early April. A decision is expected by mid April. For more information, contact the Stark County Regional Service Center.

Our Curriculum Director recently showed a video entitled, "Did You Know?" in which several facts about jobs and technology in the 21st century were presented. According to the study, the top five skills needed by students graduating today include: Honesty/Integrity, Communication Skills, Teamwork Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and a strong Work Ethic. For all of our students, it's not too early to start working on these.

Recently the Superintendent and Board of Education members met with the Business Advisory Council and Parent Advisory Council. In these meetings, members were asked to rate the qualities and characteristics of the next superintendent. These responses will be used by the search committee to find a great match for the district.

Have a great week. Go Leopards!