Glass promoted to Supt. of Cape Public Schools

The Cape Girardeau School District chose one of its own to replace retiring superintendent Jim Welker.

Congratulations to Dr. Neil Glass, the district's assistant superintendent since 2008 who was recently voted unanimously by the school board to be the district's next superintendent. His three-year contract is effective July 1.

Glass was one of 19 candidates and four finalists, and the only candidate from within the school district.

Board president Jeff Glenn described Glass as someone who can "build relationships and do that well," and noted his supervision of the district's budget and various construction projects as assistant superintendent as strengths.

"Dr. Glass has proven time and again that he is up to the challenges he is given," Glenn said. "He expressed a strong desire to meet face-to-face with students, staff and community members to engage them in the continued growth of our schools.

Glass received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Southeast Missouri State University before beginning his teaching career at Jackson in 1996. He later received his master's in secondary administration from Southeast and doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University. He also served as a high school principal at Chaffee.

"I am overwhelmed with emotion and humbled by the unanimous support of the board," Glass stated in a news release. "We have an amazing district filled with great students, staff and faculty.

"I look forward to working with the board and this community to fulfill the potential of each and every student. I would also like to thank Dr. James Welker for his leadership the past nine years."

Dr. Welker should be commended for his tenure. He's the longest-serving superintendent for Cape Public Schools since Arthur Turner held the role from 1975-1991.

In the 12 years prior to Welker becoming superintendent in 2008, the district had six superintendents. Welker was able to provide stability and was consistent and caring as a leader for the school district.

We wish Welker well in his retirement at the end of this school year and Glass good luck in his step up to superintendent.