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 The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passes through downtown Wapakoneta Wednesday, September 1. Staff photo/William Laney By CARLA MEYER
Staff Writer
For 45 minutes, the roar of motorcycles could be heard passing under an American flag hanging from two ladder trucks. For 45 minutes, area residents gathered in the shadow of the Auglaize County Courthouse and Wapakoneta Fire Station waved and clapped as motorcyclists rode by.
The smiles and waves turned into clapping and cheers as the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passed down Willipie Street on its way to Custenborder Field in Sidney where it was greeted by a field of American flags.
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Thursday, 21 May 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
WAYNESFIELD — After serving as the curriculum and instruction supervisor for Waynesfield-Goshen Local Schools for the past three years, Dr. Joanne E. Kerekes moves up in rank as she assumes the role as school superintendent in August.
On April 30, interviews for present Superintendent Earnie Jones’ position were held by the W-G Board of Education members at the district board office, in which Kerekes, along with other candidates Curtis Montgomery, of Piqua City Schools, Bruce Kidder, of Fostoria Community Schools, and Thomas Taylor, of Patrick Henry Local Schools, were interviewed my members to see who would be the best fit for the job.
After interviews were completed, Kerekes rose to the top of the list.
“I am delighted that I can continue to be part of this great school district,” Kerekes said. “Mr. Jones has already been very helpful in making the transition seamless. He has the best interest of the district at heart and, I am sure, will continue to provide guidance.
“It would not be possible to replicate what he has accomplished for this district,” she said. “He leaves an indelible stamp on the W-G community, which will benefit students for years to come.”
Kerekes earned bachelor’s degrees in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Bowling Green State University in 1974 and 1978. She then went on to earn an MBA in human resources and a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum from the University of Toledo in 1987 and 1993.
Throughout her 32-year career in education, Kerekes has held various positions as a teacher, supervisor, curriculum director, principal, treasurer, business manager and even superintendent for several school districts including Bowling Green, Oak Harbor, Benton-Carroll-Salem, Elmwood and Pandora-Gilboa, before settling as a curriculum consultant at Waynesfield-Goshen.
“My responsibilities as supervisor of curriculum and instruction included working with teachers and principals by utilizing data and best practice methods to improve teaching and learning,” the Leipsic native said.
Her contract takes effect Aug. 1.
Kerekes said there will not be one specific person who will take on her former responsibilities as supervisor of curriculum and instruction. It will continue to be a large part of her responsibilities as the instructional leader of the district.
“We will continue to work with the Auglaize County ESC (Educational Service Center), who provides excellent guidance in this area,” Kerekes said. “In addition, with the guidance of the state support team, we have established a district leadership team and the elementary and secondary schools have each established a building leadership team to direct our school improvement efforts.”
Working in school, church and community activities, as well as enjoying hobbies such as reading, gardening and traveling, Kerekes said she plans to stay busy with fulfilling many short-term and long-term goals she would like to accomplish as the new superintendent.
“The two critical areas that face Waynesfield-Goshen Local Schools are one, improving the curriculum and instruction so that the achievement for all students meets state and federal standards and two, being fiscally responsible so that in this tough economy we can continue to offer our students a quality program.”
After 12 years of serving as superintendent of Waynesfield-Goshen Local Schools and 38 in the education profession, Jones said there is no doubt in his mind that W-G will be in good hands after he leaves at the end of July.
“Joanne brings years of experience as a superintendent, treasurer, business manager and curriculum instructor not only at Waynesfield-Goshen, but other school districts as well,” Jones said. “Combine all that with her knowledge in a lot of different fields and given her teaching experience, I think the board of education made an excellent decision in picking her to serve as the new superintendent here at Waynesfield.”
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Last Updated ( Friday, 22 May 2009 )
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