6 August 2014
Interim Superintendent Focused on Student Success
Ethel Angal is making the most of her situation. The Special Programs Coordinator for Siuslaw Schools, is wearing more than one hat now. In addition to taking care of her regular duties, she has also been handed the task of serving as the interim superintendent… in charge of the entire district.
With 37 years of public education experience, she is confident that she’s up to the task… and she’s facing some big jobs this year.
Ethel Angal – “A big focus is completing the transition to the ‘common core’. There are differing opinions on the common core, but it’s ours now.”
Oregon is one of 39 different states to adopt the “Common Core”; agree or disagree, Angal says it’s up to her and the staff at Siuslaw schools to make it work.
Ethel Angal – “First of all standardize education from state to state in terms of what kids are expected to know and be able to do. It raises the bar significantly. It helps us get learners through high school, college and career ready. That’s the mantra.”
Angal has been tabbed as the interim superintendent while Shawn Wiencek is out on an unexplained, personal paid leave of absence.
Board to interview applicants
The Siuslaw School Board meets this evening for a single purpose… actually three reasons.
They’ll conduct personal interviews with three applicants for the vacant position on the panel.
The three applicants: Suzanne Mann-Heintz; Eric Hauptman; and Albert Jorgensen.
Interviews begin at 6:30 at the district office on Oak Street.
There is a possibility the board may make a final selection this evening. If not, they are scheduled to meet again next Wednesday evening and would likely name a successor to former board member Scott Salisbury at that time.
Former Eugene Schools Chief Moves to Lane County
Lane County will capitalize on the administrative experiences of the former superintendent of Eugene Schools.
George Russell begin work Monday on a temporary basis according to administrator Steve Mokrohisky (mo-kro-HI-skee).
Russell will be interim Director of Management Services, overseeing things like the county’s finance department and County Clerk functions.
Since taking the administrator’s job earlier this spring, Mokrohisky has been at work assembling a management team for the county. He says Russell will be – quote – “an important voice” in efforts to improve services.
Russell retired as superintendent of the 4J school district after 16 years. He worked for Lane County previously from 1991 to 1995.
Beach Safety
There have been four fatalities on Oregon and Washington beaches since July 3rd due to people being swept out to sea.
The latest death occurred Monday in Garibaldi when a 19-year old man drowned.
Commander Bill Gibbons, with the U.S. Coast Guard, says in addition to the deaths, there have been many more ‘near-misses’ where people were in peril, but managed to escape.
All of the cases have something in common according to Gibbons. They all involve people who are visiting the coast and are not familiar with things like ‘sneaker’ waves and rip currents.
He says the only way to assure safety is by staying out of the water entirely. But, if you do go in, make sure you’re not alone, don’t turn your back on the surf, and know what to do if you get knocked down or swept out.