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SUNNY Temp: 88 °F Wind: SW at 6 mph Thursday, July 24, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 7, 2003 Ruch Elementary will lose full-time principal By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Ruch Elementary School will lose its full-time principal next year, and a head teacher has been chosen to pick up the slack. Medford Superintendent Steve Wisely said the current principal, Janice Shade, will divide her time between Ruch Elementary and the district’s central office starting in September. "This school is very important to me," said Shade. "I love the school, the kids, and the community. It really is a good idea and a win-win situation. " Shade will assume some of the duties performed by the district’s special education supervisor and at-risk program supervisor — two positions recently eliminated in budget cuts. Advertisement During Shade’s absences, teacher Curt Shenk will handle any parent or student issues that crop up. Shenk has served as dean of Hedrick Middle School, but that position was eliminated this year. He will transfer to Ruch in September to fill a vacant teaching position. "There are times that all principals are gone from the building," said Wisely. "We felt the need to have something more at Ruch. This is going to be neat. It’s something that’s yet to be developed but will involve the community." Wisely said the change was prompted in part by a continuing decline in enrollment at Ruch Elementary. This year, 179 students attended Ruch. When schools begin in September, enrollment is expected to dip to 161 students. The slow but steady decrease also prompted the district to reduce the school’s teaching staff from seven to six, a change that will take effect in September. Ruch elementary students left school on Friday with letters informing parents of the upcoming changes, but many details remain to be finalized. A committee made up of district officials and school volunteers are expected to meet next week to discuss the duties and responsibilities of both Shade and Shenk. Many details remain unclear, such as how much time Shade will spend away from the school and what issues Shenk can and cannot handle in Shade’s absence. The extra duties won’t elevate Shenk to administrative status, but the teacher will receive an annual $5,000 stipend. Wisely said Shade will not receive a bonus or pay increase because of the upcoming changes. Her new title will become principal on assignment. It’s not uncommon for principals of small, rural schools to divide their time between duties in Jackson County. For example, the superintendents of Butte Falls and Prospect also serve as principals of their local elementary, middle and high schools. In Ashland, Eagle Point and Rogue River, some elementary principals have been in charge of two schools at the same time. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times