SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

What a difference a year makes.

A new superintendent quietly took charge in the Cape Girardeau School District July 1. Dr. Dan Tallent shifted his duties from high school principal to superintendent without any fuss or fanfare. The smooth transition is indicative of the man himself: efficient, effective and down-to-earth.

Also laying the groundwork for a smooth transition was the interim superintendent during the last six months: Dr. Richard Bollwerk. He returns to his job with the new title of associate superintendent. Bollwerk has done an excellent job since January despite the fact he was actually doing the work of three people: superintendent, assistant superintendent and human resources director.

Bollwerk and Tallent embody a good leadership team. Bollwerk's expertise lies in curriculum and elementary education. Tallent is versed in secondary education and finances. They are joined by Bill Biggerstaff, the new assistant superintendent. He previously served as an assistant Central High principal under Tallent.

The school board did well to chose these men from within to lead the district. Effective, low-key leadership is precisely what the district needs to fully recover from several years of conflict and upheaval under the former superintendent, who was fired in January.

Tallent has a hands-on reputation for problem-solving and a take-charge attitude. While at the high school, he stepped up classroom discipline and worked to improve teacher morale. He is well respected both inside and outside the district.

The Tallent-Bollwerk leadership team perfectly matches the qualities sought by the board:

* Firm, but fair.

* A team leader with proven integrity and an ability to build trust with staff, faculty and community.

* Strong academic background and strong instructional leader who places children first.

* Open-minded, keeping a balance between vision and pragmatism, who boosts morale and self-confidence by encouraging student and staff achievements.

* Visible in the school and community and sensitive to public relations and public sentiment.

* An effective communicator who is approachable by students, staff, community and news media, who understands community values and expectations.

The Cape Girardeau Public Schools can look forward with confidence as it prepares for a new school year. These educational insiders will provide a foundation of stability and trust.