Henderson honored at retirement reception
Gerald Henderson thanked Marion-Florence USD 408 students, patrons, board of education, and staff for making his time with the school district memorable.
Henderson was honored Friday afternoon during a come-and-go retirement reception at central office.
Henderson is leaving the district this month after serving seven years as superintendent of Marion-Florence USD 408
Rex Savage, president of USD 408 board of education, presented a plaque of appreciation to Henderson for his contributions to the district and years of service. Board members Chris Sprowls, Roger Hannaford, and Sarah Cope also were on hand for the presentation.
"I want to thank the board (of education) for taking a chance on a 58-year-old rookie who was needing to leave his former life," Henderson said accepting the plaque. "I had started to not like me."
Henderson said he appreciated the board's support.
"One hundred percent of the time I've been here Rex Savage has been president of the board — which has been a blessing," Henderson said.
Members of the Marion business community, administrators, and staff attended the reception along with several well-known education officials from Topeka including Andy Tompkins, commissioner, and Dale Dennis, deputy commissioner, Kansas State Department of Education; and John Koepe, executive director of the Kansas Association of School Boards.
Also attending were members of Henderson's family and central office personnel Becky Summerville and Martin Tice.
Henderson also expressed appreciation to both Summerville and Tice for their hard work which allowed him time "out of here" to observe students and see education in action.
