Document text
CLOUDY Temp: 65 °F Wind: SE at 11 mph Friday, May 2, 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 April 24, 2003 Medford school board Chairman Mike Moran, left, on Wednesday announces the board�s choice for new school superintendent, Dick Gregory. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell New superintendent appointed Dick Gregory scheduled to take over for Steve Wisely by the end of June By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune The ceremony appointing Dick Gregory as Medford’s new superintendent might have been short and sweet, but the California resident had plenty to say once the meeting closed Wednesday afternoon. "By late May, sometime into June, I’ll already be rolling up my sleeves, working with the budget committee and getting my arms around the budget," said Gregory, 61, who won’t be paid until July 1. "I’m coming into this with my eyes open." Gregory, a graduate professor at Cal-Lutheran University and former Roseburg superintendent, was unanimously chosen by the school board on Wednesday to replace Steve Wisely, whose last day is June 30. "I think we all probably agree in this. We find Dick Gregory to be a person with a big heart, a love of kids and someone who has strong leadership skills," said board member Tricia Prendergast. The Montana native has 35 years’ experience as an administrator in Kansas, Wyoming and Oregon. He served as superintendent of Roseburg schools for five years before trying his hand at higher education this year. "I missed the kids. I missed being in the schools, the activities," Gregory explained of his reason for applying to Medford. Gregory said his decision to move to Medford is his final career move, and added that he expects to work up to 10 years before retiring. "We intend to put roots down here and finish my professional career," said Gregory. Gregory said he doesn’t believe his age is a factor, and challenges anyone who disagrees to work out with him at the gym. "Just see how well I can keep up," joked Gregory. "We’re young minded," Gregory said of himself and his wife, Sharon. "Kids energize me." While in Roseburg, Gregory said he had a policy of visiting every classroom once a year. Although it probably won’t be possible in a district the size of Medford, Gregory said he plans to visit as many classrooms as possible and keep track so nobody gets left out. "This is a very important action for the superintendent to do," he added. "It’s the only way for some teachers to get one-on-one interaction. It’s very important to me." Gregory said once he’s on board, he hopes have a working relationship with the Medford School Watch — an organization known for its criticism of the school district. "Citizens have honest issues, honest concerns," said Gregory. "The way I deal with them is frankly by giving them the information they want." Gregory’s contract with Cal Lutheran ends in May. He plans to move to the Rogue Valley by mid-June. Dick and Sharon Gregory have been married for nearly 40 years. Sharon Gregory, who said she always attends school meetings and functions with her husband, added that she is looking forward to volunteering in the community after they settle in. The couple have two adult children. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Gregory will receive a smaller salary than his predecessor Incoming Medford schools Superintendent Dick Gregory will be paid a base salary of $107,000, 8 percent less than Steve Wisely’s $114,000 yearly earnings. Although school board Chairman Mike Moran said Gregory’s qualifications warrant higher pay, his salary was cut because of the district’s budget crisis. In addition to his base salary, the district will pay for Gregory’s life and health insurance, a figure that wasn’t available on Thursday. The district will contribute roughly $6,000 annually to the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) for Gregory. The district pays PERS contributions for all eligible employees. Gregory will receive $500 each month for travel expenses — regardless of whether he spends more or less than that amount. Wisely received a monthly travel allowance of $750. In addition, he was paid for mileage traveled outside the county, a perk that Gregory did not receive. In addition, the district will pay Gregory up to $7,500 to relocate to the Rogue Valley. 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