Dexter names new superintendent

Dr. Thomas Sharp, a Nebraska native currently serving as superintendent of schools at Crawford County R-1 in Bourbon, has been named the new superintendent of Dexter Schools.

Sharp will replace Dr. Ken Jackson, who is retiring from his post at the conclusion of the current school year, having served seven years at the helm in the local district.

Sharp, whose duties will officially begin July 1, 2010, comes to the district with 33 years of experience in the education field. He received a B.S. in 1977 with areas of concentration English, mathematics, and speech/drama, and earned a masters degree in curriculum and instruction in 1984, a masters in secondary administration four years later, and a specialist degree in administration in 1992. His Ph.D. was earned in May 2005 from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Sharp, who is visiting in the district Thursday, says he's anxious to make the move to Dexter.

"I am excited about the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community of Dexter," he says. "I look forward to building upon the great traditions of Dexter R-XI to provide enhanced learning opportunities for all students."

The newly named superintendent says he will rely upon his knowledge of curriculum and instruction to work with the administration team and teaching staff to help guide the district forward.

Of the selection, Board President Jackie McKuin comments, "We feel fortunate to have been able to select a candidate with Dr. Sharp's extensive experience in education and in the position of superintendent. The short term future of public education appears uncertain at best. His experience will provide a solid foundation for the leadership needed during these uncertainties."

As implied in McKuin's statement, Sharp comes into the district in the most challenging of times, with significant budget cuts on the horizon. Critical issues with regard to state funding for the 2010-11 school year have already forced other districts in Stoddard County to hold off on summer school plans and freeze career ladder programs for staff. Significant reductions in formula funding are expected to further challenge Missouri school districts in the coming year.

Jackson also assured an anxious staff Wednesday morning that he felt the Board of Education had made a sound decision in the choice of bringing Sharp to the office of superintendent, telling teachers, "Dr. Sharp comes to Dexter with a long list of impressive credentials. I believe the board chose a fine man for the position."

Sharp will be moving to Dexter with his wife, Martha. The two are parents of five grown children, the youngest of whom is a college junior.

"We are anxious to become contributing community members," Sharp said Wednesday in anticipation of the couple's move to the Dexter community.