LM Nov-Dec.2019

“During a period of financial uncertainty, Kevin’s financial oversight and budgeting ability kept our district in great financial health,” says Gary Westermeyer, School Board President in Scott- Morgan CUSD #2. Blankenship was also a strong

voice in the passage of the County Schools Facilities Sales tax, which paved the way for major renovations to the elementary/junior high school in Bluffs. Those renovations included installing a much needed central heating and air conditioning system. The passage of both referendums was dependent on the district getting out its message and maintaining open lines of communication with the school board and community. Visibility was also a major factor. Staff, students and community members need to see the superintendent in the schools and at events. “I do as much as I can to spend time in each district,” Blankenship says. “I’ve found it’s really beneficial for me to be seen in each district.” Support of Staff Like many of her colleagues, Megan Little, a special education teacher at Winchester Elementary School, was slightly apprehensive about the idea of a dual superintendent. But

“It’s been very positive, and I have heard up and down the hallway here at school that everyone has great things to say about him and can see that the district is moving forward,” Little says. Andy Stumpf, principal at Winchester Elementary School, adds Blankenship’s knowledge of school finance stands out. “He’s looked at the budget and talked about some of the changes that need to be made and given us our budget and said this is what you get. Use it wisely,” Stumpf says. Discussions are underway in both communities about the possibility of other shared services which could benefit both districts. The building committee from each board has already met and discussed the possibilities to address the aging high school buildings. One building was constructed in 1914 and the other in 1921. For the time being, the plan is to see how a shared superintendent agreement goes. Whatever happens, Blankenship is ready. IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark is confident he will be up for the challenge. “Kevin is a tremendous worker,” Clark says. “He’s smart. He’s perceptive and will do whatever is necessary to get the job done correctly. That’s Kevin. He will outwork almost anyone else around him.”

since Blankenship has come on board, those fears have receded.

See page 8 for details on reception honoring Dr. Blankenship as 2020 IL Superintendent of the Year...

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LM Month 2019