Your letters for Aug. 23, 2024

By NewsPress Now

Your letters for Aug. 23, 2024

Selecting the next SJSD Superintendent

Dr. Gabe Edgar has announced his retirement effective the end of school year 2024-2025. A note of appreciation to Dr. Edgar for giving the school board adequate time to hire the next superintendent. The board will hire a firm that assists in the process of locating appropriate candidates as defined by the requirements set forth by the board. As a retired educator of thirty-two years, I feel qualified to suggest to the board the qualifications that the new superintendent must possess.

The first document that the board must present to all candidates is a statement of how poorly the school system has performed over the years. Noting that annual evaluations performed by the Missouri Department of Education indicates that SJSD falls below the state average in: attendance, graduation rate, English, math, science and documented behavioral issues.

The second document presented to all candidates indicates that the superintendent’s salary is among the highest of all superintendents. Present salary is listed as $225,000 plus benefits. The board must summarize the high school college prepatory curriculum that provides courses that will match any surrounding school systems. Yes, your child can qualify for a tier one college.

The candidates must have experience that indicates that all educational categories listed above are at or exceed state averages. The two most important requirements for the candidate is that they have been successful in a system that exceeds 10,000 students and that over 50% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. The new superintendent will assure that all employees are held accountable for teaching all students so that all students learn. Failure will not be an option.

The school board has only two responsibilities: hire and evaluate the superintendent and define the mission of the school system.

Make St. Joseph proud of our school system. Hire a superintendent that has proven success and a real understanding of the free and reduced population. It is time.

Dick Schott

St. Joseph



Looking forward to splash pad

I was surprised at recent results and comments in the Ping Poll and It’s Your Call regarding the proposed splash pad for the site of the former Krug Park pool. I have taken my foster child, grandchildren and our next-door neighbor’s kids to Liberty Park splash pad several times over the past two summers. For them, it was a great experience and they always look forward to the next time they can go. It is a perfect diversion on a hot, summer day, and requires almost no advance planning. Each time we have gone, the attendance has been high.

This summer, we also attended the splash pad in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, when we were visiting family there. They had fun at that one but it doesn’t compare to the one we have in Hyde Park. Our local pad is far better, having both “under” and “over” water features.

We fully support the idea of a splash pad at Krug Park. The chances that the new splash pad will enjoy high utilization are far greater than that Krug Pool had in recent years. I’m certain that the maintenance is easier and more cost effective than a pool. An added bonus is the fact that, unlike municipal pools, there is no admission fee. The aquatic park is centrally located for those who want a full pool experience. We look forward to the completion of the new splash pad facility at Krug Park. We will certainly be frequent attendees.

Timothy P. Murphy, M.D.

St. Joseph