"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 also looking forward to spending a lot of time in the classrooms this fall, meeting students. 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.
'Where do you want go?' new Jewell superintendent the Gambia RPCV Brian Gander asks
'Where do you want go?' new Jewell superintendent asks
By DEEDA SCHROEDER
The Daily Astorian
The new Jewell School District superintendent, Brian Gander, got to work at his new job on Monday.
Gander said he's easing himself into the role, and is looking forward to meeting students, parents, board members and staff throughout the summer. "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 when he accepted the position in March. "Smaller schools are where I need to be."
Gander comes to Jewell from the Long Creek School District, about 40 miles north of John Day. The Long Creek school had about 60 kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Gander still maintains a home in Salem, where his wife is an elementary school library media specialist. In Jewell, he'll live in one of the homes owned by the district.
He's looking to do a lot of listening to teachers, staff, students and parents, before making any significant changes to school operations or policies, he said. "When you come in, it's important to come in with open ears and eyes. My slate is kind of blank," he said.
He's anticipating a couple of long work sessions with the board, hammering out both long- and short-range objectives. The board sets those kinds of goals every year, and he thinks the discussions will be a great starting point for further goals.
The district's governing board received 19 applications for the superintendent position, and chose Gander because of his inclusive style of leadership and commitment to learning, said board spokesperson Matt Samuelson.
"We decided Mr. Gander provided the best chance for our children to excel in academics," Samuelson said.
The board was also impressed with all of Gander's experience, he added. Gander was the board's first choice. Departing interim Superintendent Jerry Jones took the temporary position during a controversial time in the district's history, and stayed for two years.
Gander said he was impressed with Jones' two-year tenure, and his ability to stabilize the district after a tumultuous few years. While Gander said he's aware of the district's past troubles, he said his approach is not to dwell 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 also looking forward to spending a lot of time in the classrooms this fall, meeting students. 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's starting salary is $89,623 annually, and his contract will be up for renewal in two years.
