Teresa Davidson has been on the job as interim superintendent of Emporia Public Schools for two weeks now.
Davidson is serving for one year as the school board conducts a national search for a new superintendent. The public might think an interim superintendent might not make any changes and just run things as they always have.
We think otherwise.
Davidson is serving an interim term, but she has extensive experience with our district since she has served as assistant superintendent for business and associate superintendent for personnel.
We spoke with her recently, and she talked about making changes and looking at the district’s effectiveness and efficiency. She understands the current budget environment and the need to balance maintaining quality instruction while also looking at the district efficiency.
She has not filled 5 1/2 positions at the administration building and is leaving some teaching positions vacant. She is asking the staff to work smarter, take on new job duties and do more with the resources available. The district will have minimum class sizes and set more efficient travel time for teachers to maximize teaching time.
These are good things to hear, and it is good to see the district staff working together finding ways to be more efficient.
An interim superintendent with an eye on the budget and maintaining quality instruction will likely win much favor with taxpayers, especially if she can also reduce the bottom line.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher