Two Cape Public Schools Administrators honored

East Prairie Superintendent Scott Downing, left, presented the outstanding New Superintendent award to Cape Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Welker. Also honored at the banquet was retiring Assistant Superintendent Pat Fanger, photo below.

Cape Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jim Welker was recognized for outstanding performance as a new superintendent by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) during the 51st Annual Recognition Banquet at the Show Me Center Thursday night. He was nominated for the honor by his colleagues in the Southeast region of the state. Nominees must be a practicing superintendent in their second or third year of employment as a superintendent, have never served as a superintendent of schools in another state, and have made a measurable contribution to the school district they serve.

Pat Fanger

Also recognized at the banquet was Assistant Superintendent Pat Fanger, who is retiring after a 30-year career in education. She was born and raised in St. Louis and began her career in special education in her hometown school district. She served as a principal for several years in the St. Louis area, before taking a position as assistant superintendent of the Bayless School District. She has been with Cape Public Schools for the past eight years, and served for a time as interim superintendent. "Mrs. Fanger has provided tremendous leadership in improving the quality of education for our students," Dr. Welker stated. "She will be truly missed."