School Board tours schools and adds new member
Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Karen Steen, left, the principal of Rogers Heritage High School, welcomed the school board and several administrators who toured each of the district’s 21 schools last week. Pictured are Steen, board member Cathy Allen, Jennifer Haskins, the newest board member, and chairman Joye Kelley. Hometown News / LYNN ATKINS
The newest member of the Rogers School Board went to work immediately. At a special meeting on Aug. 25, Jennifer Haskins was appointed to fill an empty seat on the board. Early Aug. 26 morning Haskins joined the rest of the board on a tour of the schools.
Usually the board tours schools before classes begin, but this year they decided to wait until students were in school.
"It's fascinating to see the teachers and the kids in the classrooms," Haskins said. "They were so focused, so engaged for the second week of school."
"I was very impressed with how clean and orderly the schools are," she said. "The kids, even in middle school, were so excited to be back.... It was very refreshing to see that."
Haskins, who works as an associate general counsel for Wal-Mart, said her job can be demanding, but she's not limited to traditional business hours. She can leave work in order to be at special meetings.
"Part of my job is to be organized and make sure things get done," she said. "I know the school board is a huge time commitment, but I tend to process data very quickly."
Board member Cathy Allen said both women who applied for the open position were good candidates.
"It was really hard. Both the women would have been great," she said.
The seat became open when Faye Jeffery resigned a few weeks ago. Because no one filed to run for that position in the September election, Haskins will serve for a full year and than can choose to run for the seat in September 2009.
Two new administrators accompanied Haskins and the rest of the school board. Phillip Eickstaedt, the district's new director of secondary curriculum and instruction, and Riley Shearin, the new chief information officer, saw some schools for the first time.
"I continue to be impressed with quality and the care of the school buildings," Eickstaedt said. "The community cares and the people who work in the buildings care."
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online