Administrator to take on superintendent duties - March 17, 2006

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2006-03-19

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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend March 17, 2006 Administrator to take on superintendent duties By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — A local school administrator is being tapped for a big promotion — and a huge challenge. The board decided March 7 to add the job responsibilities of outgoing Superintendent Charles Hellman to high school Principal Dave Orr’s duties — also adding $30,000 to his annual salary. Orr, 54, has been the school’s principal for the past six years. The double-duty assignment will save about $60,000 annually from the district’s budget, said school board member Dick Handbury on Monday. "I think it’s a very good idea," said Handbury. "If it can work, Dave’s the person who can make it (happen)." Advertisement Orr said he will take on Hellman’s duties in July. But he has a few concerns about remaining a hands-on principal. Juggling two hats will likely mean Orr has less time for meetings with parents, teachers and students, he said. "I’m going to try very hard to keep those doors open," said Orr. "But this is a great big chunk of work to bite off." Hellman, the district’s superintendent for the past 16 years, will officially retire at the end of June. But he will remain as interim superintendent until Sept. 30 to help train Orr in his new duties, Hellman said. "This was the right time to pass the baton," said Hellman. "I can provide continuing support to Dave. And there are monetary savings for the district — which it sorely needs." Hellman will continue to provide consulting until April 2007, he added. Orr will rely heavily on Hellman’s 40 years of experience as an educator and administrator, he said. Hellman has particular expertise in understanding the intricacies of legislative and district budgets, said Orr — a particularly necessary skill during these days of unfunded state and federal mandates, he added. "Charles will advise me," said Orr. "And he will work on school funding issues at the state level." Orr is counting on the support of his staff and the other principals, he said. The board will offer small stipends to the other principals who will be sharing his load, Orr added. "I have great support from my staff at the high school, the district office and the other principals," Orr said. The top priority will be providing quality instruction for students, Orr said. "We’re in the top two or three schools in Southern Oregon in science, writing and reading," said Orr. "I don’t want to lose touch with what we are really supposed to do. I spent 24 years in the classroom. I will always be a teacher." The board has every confidence in Orr and his support staff, said Handbury. "He’s got a very good staff behind him, both up on the hill (at the district offices) and down at the high school," Handbury said. "And he’s certainly going to have the backing of the board." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Administrator to take on superintendent duties ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home  | Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives  |  Site Map  | Community  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos Generic Viagra Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Advertisement s Advertisement