2009.03.17: March 17, 2009: Headlines: COS - The Gambia: Education: Daily Astorian: The Gambia RPCV Brian Gander appointed Superintendent of Jewell School District

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Gambia: Peace Corps The Gambia : Peace Corps The Gambia: Newest Stories: 2009.03.17: March 17, 2009: Headlines: COS - The Gambia: Education: Daily Astorian: The Gambia RPCV Brian Gander appointed Superintendent of Jewell School District

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The Gambia RPCV Brian Gander appointed Superintendent of Jewell School District

The Gambia RPCV Brian Gander appointed Superintendent of Jewell School District

Gander's first teaching position was in 1985, as a physical education instructor at River Grove Elementary in Lake Oswego. He spent time overseas, teaching in Medellin, Colombia, and serving in the Peace Corps in Gambia, West Africa. He received his Masters in Education from Oregon State University in 1989, and a doctorate from the University of Oregon in 2007. Gander said he likes bringing his traveler's perspective into the classroom. "Our ability to connect with kids is based on the ability to create wonderment and excitement and curiosity," he said.

The Gambia RPCV Brian Gander appointed Superintendent of Jewell School District

Jewell leaders select new school superintendent

Gander enthused about starting work July 1

By DEEDA SCHROEDER
The Daily Astorian

The Jewell School District has appointed its next superintendent, ending a hiring process that began in September 2008.

The board unanimously approved the contract of Brian Gander at a Monday school board meeting. Gander will begin work on July 1.

Gander is the superintendent for the Long Creek School District, about 40 miles north of John Day. The Long Creek school has about 60 students, and houses kindergarten through 12th grade in a single building.

Living and working in Jewell appealed to Gander because of the district's similar size, he said Monday evening from Long Creek.

"Having a district this size lets me work closely with the staff and the student body. For me it is critical to know all the kids, teachers and classified staff well," Gander said. "Smaller schools are where I need to be."

Gander added that the physical beauty of the area drew him as well. "What a place to work in every day," he said. He's looking forward to fly fishing the Nehalem River too, he said.

Matt Samuelson, the board's spokesman, said the board found Gander to be the obvious choice after reviewing the 19 candidates.

"We decided Mr. Gander provided the best chance for our children to excel in academics," Samuelson said. Choosing a person with a proven track record of success, he said, was very important to the board.

"We chose a leader that would take us to the next level of student achievement," Samuelson said. The months of hard work have paid off, he added. "We hired our first choice, and didn't make any compromises."

Departing interim Superintendent Jerry Jones said he'd begin the transition work immediately, now that a permanent replacement has been found. Jones took the temporary position during a controversial time in the district's history, and will have stayed for two years.

Samuelson said the board is grateful for Jones' efforts.

While Gander said he's aware of the district's past troubles, he said his approach is to keep his focus looking forward instead of back.

"Personally, I don't dwell too much on the past. One of my questions for the board was, 'Where do you want to go and what do you want to do?' And that's where we'll start," Gander said.

Gander's first teaching position was in 1985, as a physical education instructor at River Grove Elementary in Lake Oswego. He spent time overseas, teaching in Medellin, Colombia, and serving in the Peace Corps in Gambia, West Africa. He received his Masters in Education from Oregon State University in 1989, and a doctorate from the University of Oregon in 2007.

Gander said he likes bringing his traveler's perspective into the classroom.

"Our ability to connect with kids is based on the ability to create wonderment and excitement and curiosity," he said.

Gander's starting salary will be $89,623 annually, and his contract will be up for renewal in two years.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a plan to make up lost days for High School students by adding an hour to each school day during the months of April and May. Early release days will not be changed.

• Considered a proposal from the interim superintendent to refund past or present board members for costs associated with the recent ethics commission findings. The proposal was tabled pending legal consultation.




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Headlines: March, 2009; Peace Corps The Gambia; Directory of The Gambia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for The Gambia RPCVs; Education





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Story Source: Daily Astorian

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - The Gambia; Education

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