USD 408 board expresses appreciation to Henderson years ago
Staff writer
Members of USD 408 Marion-Florence Board of Education took the opportunity Monday night to say goodbye to the man who has led the district the past six years.
Gerald Henderson, superintendent of schools, retires officially June 30, the completion of the 2004-05 school year.
Even though Henderson and the board will meet again this month for a special end-of-year wrap-up session set for 6 p.m. June 28, members expressed their appreciation to Henderson.
Board member Keith Collett spoke eloquently regarding Henderson's service to the district.
"Six years ago we were a district with community relation problems, facility problems, morale problems and we asked the search committee to bring us someone who could sell our schools to our community and back to us," Collett said.
"And they brought us Gerry," he added. "We are still very thankful."
Board member Roger Hannaford echoed Collett's statements.
"We were in need of a change. Thanks to Gerry's leadership when we most needed it we experienced that change," Hannaford said.
Board vice president Gene Bowers agreed, thanking Henderson for his years of service and welcoming incoming superintendent Lee Leiker who was present during the meeting.
Sarah Cope, a new board member completing her first term, thanked Henderson for his guidance and helping her "get through the year." She commented it was a rough year and said she hoped to get through "the next three" to finish her term.
Henderson, who initially declined his turn to comment noting he "couldn't do justice to how he was feeling," told board president Rex Savage he would like to address the board — in particular, the new members Cope, Chris Sprowls, and Kathy Meierhoff.
Henderson urged the three to run again when their terms were up. He noted that experienced board members were just as important as experienced administrators, teachers, and staff.
"Only when you get enough institutional memory on the board itself can a district accomplish what it wants to accomplish," he said.
"Don't think 'three more years.' Think about what you accomplish for kids and you will continue to be the board you've been for the last six years," he said.
Board president Rex Savage expressed appreciation to Henderson for "what you've done here."
"We've disagreed more than once," Savage said to Henderson with a laugh. "But it's always been agreeable."
Savage also welcomed Leiker to the district and community.
"You have a great community and a great school system," Leiker said. "My family and I are thrilled and excited to be here."
Leiker said he and his family have already moved to Marion. He officially begins work July 1 with USD 408.
