The councils'

recommendations and the board's approval last week sets the school system's

leadership teams for the coming school year, said Dr. Peggy Connell.

"We had

to make a large number of decisions due to different circumstances, including

retirements and matching principals and assistant principals by strengths,

but we believe that these appointments will complete this process,"

said Dr. Connell.

"I think

these have been some very good decisions for our schools and for everyone

involved," said board member Allan Payton. "In public schools,

like in a business, you have to maximize the strengths of your employees

and match your employees' skills with where they are most needed. Dr.

Connell had a daunting task ahead of her to fill every position needed

due to retirements and other factors, but I think these decisions are

going to serve our students and our schools well."

Board Chairman

Rick Melville agreed. "I have firmly endorsed the hard work and the

recommendations set forth by the Superintendent," he said. "She

has taken this duty very seriously and has worked carefully to match schools

and school leaders in ways that will benefit both. So the board members

and I are firmly behind what Dr. Connell is doing for us."

"I don't

think we're going to see changes like this from now on," Melville

said. "But we have had a number of retirements, and we have filled

these positions largely from within the school system, and that has caused

more openings. Dr. Connell, too, has thoroughly evaluated our school system

over the last year, and she has put together the best team to lead our

schools. I think this sets us very well."

Melville said

he has spoken with many parents and teachers over the last week, "and

I've been pleased to see that - after an appointment is made and everyone

knows what the decision is - our principals and teachers have been very

positive and very supportive of these decisions. I have seen a real sense

of dedication and teamwork in our school system," he said.

Dr. Connell

also thanked the school councils for their work and patience, as they

met Thursday to make recommendations on the principal candidates.

"This

has been a new experience for all of us, and I appreciate council members'

efforts," said Connell. "We are charting new waters here with

the Councils, and we have tried to balance our obligations to our Councils

with our obligations to our candidates and the personnel process. We're

trying to make sure we do the right thing in both instances."