NEW HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL COWAN MEETS WITH TEACHERS

Incoming Central High School principal Mike Cowan thinks like a teacher, and he plans to make decisions like a teacher would when he assumes his new job this summer.

That was the message Cowan, who currently is principal at Valley Park High School in St. Louis County, shared with faculty Wednesday afternoon at a reception organized by Central principal Randie Fidler. Cowan said Fidler has been "extremely gracious and helpful" since he was chosen to succeed him.

Fidler's five years with the district came to an abrupt end when the Cape Girardeau Board of Education voted not to renew his contract in late February. The decision was upheld despite protests of many high school teachers and others.

Fidler will step down as principal when his contract expires June 30.

"He assured me we would have a marvelous transition and he would do everything possible to help me," Cowan told teachers at the reception. "I hope that I will be as gracious with my successor as Randie has promised me he would be here."

Cowan, a native of Oak Ridge, Mo., said he was happy for the chance to return to Southeast Missouri, and he plans to spend his first year as principal learning the culture of the school. He said his principle role will be "lead teacher" rather than school administrator, and he will strive to maintain academic intensity and assist everyone in the school in building and sustaining caring relationships.

"Quite frankly, had I not heard some of you saying some of these same things, I wouldn't have wanted to come here," said Cowan. "Obviously, there's much good here as far as education, but we can always do better. We can always be stronger."