By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
The Defender was able to catch up with Superintendent Rick Seas and Mike Parker, District Safety Coordinator of Adams County Ohio Valley Schools, and Manchester School District’s new Superintendent Nick Roberts before the start of what promises to be a busy 2022/23 school year.
Seas, who’s in his 37th year of education and 20th year as a superintendent, says, “I’m just as excited about this administrative team as I’ve ever been and the leadership they will provide. Our board has been great to work with, and they’ve been a very supportive and student-focused board.” Seas also commented on Steve Wolfe and the facilities team, stating, “The buildings inside look great. Steve has a lot to work around with practices, so I think the custodial and maintenance crew have done a fantastic job, and our building will be ready when those kids get here on day one.”
Roberts of his new administrative team stated, “Mr. Davis, Mr. Neria, Mr. Skinner, and Mrs. Grooms-Lowe are all true assets to the district, and we will work together as a unit. We will be visible, approachable, and consistent in working as a team and setting high expectations. We have hired some excellent additions to our staff. All positions have been filled, and we want everyone who works at MLSD to be a part of family and sustain that positive culture.”
One goal that’s a priority for Seas and ACOVSD is the continual use of technology. Seven years ago, the children in the district did not have Chromebooks, and now they do. It is frustrating that everyone does not have broadband access at home, but Seas questioned, “Do you not put technology in the hands of kids because they can’t go home and use it? Let’s get our kids to do what they can when they’re with us.” He continued, “I’m looking for a better day when we can say, ‘Look, we have a blanket over us where everybody has access to the internet.’” Seas also commented on returning to “business as usual” following COVID. He said, “It’s good to have normalcy. It’s good to see kids’ faces and their smiles.” And his goal is to go back to doing what they were doing. He shared, “It’s a credit to the staff and seriously everybody, and the parents and community give and take, but we kept our kids in school.” Still, he looks forward to picking up the pieces of things that were already set in motion.
“Transparency is a big component to any school district’s success,” said Roberts. “My goal is to have the administration be as transparent as possible on all fronts with academics and discipline and to publicize all positive things going on in the school district. Positivity is contagious, and our students and staff deserve it! We will also continue to strive for academic success in the classrooms – daily. Our entire school staff does an excellent job with everything they do.”
As with every new school year, both districts will face challenges. Roberts shared that MLSD has ordered an entirely new curriculum for the elementary school and some new items for the high school. He explained, “We rigorously review and research materials as a building level team before ordering rated items to fit our students’ needs best.” Roberts considers this a positive move but notes the challenge for teachers to learn a new curriculum and added, “Our teachers do a wonderful job.” Maybe not as much a challenge, but an opportunity is welcoming new staff. Roberts stated, “We will make sure they feel welcome. Our goal is for them to be here for many years.” They conducted a new teacher orientation and dined together. Roberts shared, “Culture is everything, and we will support them in every way possible.”
Getting back to normalcy is a good challenge for the districts. Seas stated, “Kids getting back into a normal routine and being able to get involved with their activities – I think normalcy can be good for us.” Seas reported that they must comply with the state, and one new training will focus on dyslexia. He stated that Trina Wagoner is working on the program, and they did a calendar change to train elementary teachers on the Reading Horizons program on September 2nd. It’s all part of the big plan to roll out dyslexia legislation. Another exciting challenge is the 360 enrollees at CTC this school year. Seas said, “Our CTC numbers this year are as high as they’ve ever been since I’ve been here.”
The last school year ended with the tragic news of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. A concerned community contacted its school administrators to inquire about processes, procedures, and prevention. Superintendent Seas stated, “We want always to put our best foot forward and have practices and procedures in place. He yielded to Mike Parker, District Safety Coordinator, who addressed school shootings, safety, and much more, including House Bill 123, which the Defender will cover in a separate article.
Parker is confident in the team of SROs they have in place. The District’s SROs are Thomas Putnam, Mark Brewer, Jonathan Sheeley, Anthony Blevins and Jeremy Caldwell. They all continue to hold their certifications as deputy sheriffs. Parker stated, “We will not wait. We are using our tactics, knowledge, and skills to stop the threat – plain and simple as that.” The school district has already approved and ordered body armor and equipment. Daly Outfitters has been gracious with donations. Parker discussed the many threat assessments they’ve performed in the buildings. He shared, “We’ve developed plans, policies, procedures, and had many conversations with administrators. There are a lot of layers going that will be in place this school year versus last year. We see how fast this stuff unfolds, so we train our staff and students. These students are knowledgeable with lockdown drills and intruder drills.”
Roberts communicated that safety is always the number one priority. He stated, “With segmented action plans, we are implementing security measures to help with that and have added a full-time MLSD Resource Officer.” They are also adding new security cameras, new and improved bus radios, possibly metal detectors, and more in the future. He commented, “We have a plan to protect students and staff daily. Doors will be locked and secure, and we will continue to do our part for student and staff safety. We also utilize the ALICE phone system.” This system allows any staff member to reach other staff district-wide. MLSD will continue to hold numerous safety drills throughout the school year. Roberts said, “Safety is always a working goal for any school system. It must be priority number one.”
MLSD is excited to welcome new additions to staff this school year. Mr. Jeff Crask came out of retirement to teach H.S. Chemistry. Roberts stated, “Mr. Crask is a true professional, and we appreciate his efforts for our students here at MLSD.” Josh Hall is the JH/HS Music Director. Roberts shared, “Mr. Hall is extremely dedicated and passionate about the music program.” Recently, Hall offered a two-week band camp and took the marching band to St. Xavier HS to watch many elite marching bands perform. Mr. Trey Meade will teach H.S. Math. Meade’s resume includes a three-time Academic All-American and four-time Academic All-Conference graduate from Rio Grande College, and he also played collegiate baseball for them. Roberts stated, “Trey comes from a great family, and we are ecstatic to have him here at Manchester.”
Mr. Rich Dorton, a Morehead State University graduate, will teach H.S. science. Roberts said, “He is originally from Adams County and a great addition to our staff!” Another Manchester and SSU graduate, Logan Hayslip, will teach J.H. science. Roberts announced, “We are thrilled to have him back in Manchester!” Wendy Riffe is another graduate of SSI and has 12 years of teaching experience. She will teach 6th-grade I.S., and Roberts stated, “We are grateful she is here at Manchester!” The new elementary principal, Tate Skinner, has years of administration and A.D. experience. Roberts stated, “He will be in the rotation to cover sporting events. He has a great personality and will share anything positive in elementary school.”
ACOVSD welcomes several new staff to their Speech and Language Pathology Department, and joining the team are Trevor Woollard, Amanda Cell, Hannah Portmann, and Jennifer Korth. Stacey Camp is the new Preschool Director for the District. Ronda Campbell will have a dual role as Director of Elementary Exceptional Education and Principal of Oliver School. Eric Mohebbian is the new Psychologist for Oliver and Bright Local. Other new administrators include Josh Michael, who has been in education for 17 years, as Principal of Peebles High School, and beginning her administrative career Assistant Principal for Peebles High School is Jessica Brewer. Mike Roades has been in education for 24 years and will take over as Principal for West Union High School, and Angela Dunn, who has been in education her entire adult life, is the new Assistant Principal. Superintendent Seas stated, “These are not rookies we’ve brought here. I feel blessed to have their experience to come here and make a difference with our kids.”
It’s a new school year with fresh beginnings and the Defender wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and encouraging learning environment. Welcome back to school!