CLARK ONE OF TOP 100 BEST SCHOO MANAGERS IN NATION

Neyland Clark, superintendent of Cape Girardeau schools, has been named one of 100 top school executives in North America.

Clark received the designation in the February issue of The Executive Educator, a magazine for school professionals.

He is cited in "The Executive Educator 100," a blue-ribbon listing the magazine says is similar to Fortune 500 or the Forbes 400 for business and industry.

The magazine is supported by the National School Boards Association and American Association of School Administrators.

Educators were chosen for the honor by a panel of 10 nationally recognized experts on school administration, including Terrel Bell, former U.S. Secretary of Education.

The panel assessed each nominee's effectiveness with students, staff, the community and the political system in addition to accomplishments they have achieved.

A profile highlighting some accomplishments of each of the educators is published in the magazine, along with a photograph of each.

In the article, Clark writes: "We should never lose sight of the fact that our kids are our customers."

Among the accomplishments highlighted in the publication, Clark has embarked on a collaborative effort with Southeast Missouri State University to open a math, science and technology academy in the high school. The district is a model site for vocational education, and Clark has created a forum to meet with student leaders monthly.

"I think the thing really pleases me most is the fact that you have to be recommended," Clark said. "I'm not sure who recommended me, but I've been told it was someone from my previous school system."

Before coming to Cape Girardeau in 1991, Clark was superintendent of Bullitt County, Kentucky Schools. He was also a leader in Kentucky's education reform movement.

"When you are recognized by colleagues and people you work with, that's very rewarding," Clark said.

The selection committee includes many leaders in education.

"The people on that committee are a pretty high-powered bunch of folks," Clark said. "These are people I've studied. Terrel Bell was author of `A Nation At Risk.'"

Clark said he knows several other administrators on the list. "I'm not sure, in many respects, I'm worthy to be in that crowd. For me to be mentioned in the same article with them is a real honor."

Clark, at age 42, is among the youngest members of the list. He is one of three Missouri educators included.