BY KATIE STOCKSTILL

THE MORNING SUN

During their regular meeting Monday night, the Pittsburg, USD 250, board of education approved the contract for Robin Dexter as the new assistant superintendent of schools, effective July 1.

Q: Tell us about yourself. Your hometown, education, previous positions and family.

A: "I grew up in Alva, Okla., and received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in elementary education and went on to receive a master's degree in Deaf Education from the University of Oklahoma. I worked as a teacher and inclusion facilitator in southwest Kansas for eight years supporting students with hearing impairments and students with severe multiple disabilities. During this time, I completed an educational specialist degree from Fort Hays State University in educational administration and then accepted a position as principal in Holyrood, Kan. I worked for 10 years as a principal in Pre-K through eighth grade buildings with my last four years as principal of Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center in Garden City, Kan. In May of 2001, I completed my doctorate degree in educational administration from Wichita State University and, in the fall of 2003, began working as an Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Wyoming. My husband was a high school art teacher and finished his career as principal at Garden City High School. He is now retired and enjoying his artwork. We have twin daughters living in Wichita and Junction City and we look forward to family gatherings in Pittsburg.

Q: What made you want to leave higher education and return to the K-12 setting?

A: I made the move to higher education to pursue research interests in the area of instructional leadership to improve student achievement. I have had a wonderful experience working with principals in the state of Wyoming to develop and improve leadership skills to support teaching and learning. The opportunity to work in Wyoming schools made me realize that I miss working with community leaders, administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the position of assistant superintendent? And, once you saw the Pittsburg community and the schools, what made you accept the position?

A: The job title, Assistant Superintendent for Learning, caught my eye first. Then the job description with a focus on curriculum, instruction, and school improvement truly interested me and was a match for my experience, knowledge and skills. The opportunity to meet with community members, staff, superintendent, building administrators, and board members to talk about their vision for the district, as well as the position, sold me on pursuing the Assistant Superintendent for Learning position. As for the community, I have enjoyed residing in a university town and appreciate the opportunities that Pittsburg State University provides. The medical facilities, shopping and recreation opportunities, and the sense of community were key in making the decision to move to Pittsburg. Finally, moving to Pittsburg will be returning home to Kansas and family ties.

Q: What are you most looking forward to during your time at USD 250? Is there anything you would like to see changed or implemented during your tenure?

A: I am impressed with where the district is in terms of school facilities, curriculum, assessment, school improvement and instruction. I am encouraged by the vision of the superintendent and board to move forward on supporting instruction and learning at the classroom level. I find the work in progress to establish a community preschool exciting and much needed. I also sensed in the words and actions shared by school community members that they operate with the belief that all students in Pittsburg Community Schools can and will learn. At this point I do not see the need for major changes. I am looking forward to helping Pittsburg Community Schools, parents and the community to provide an education for all students so that they can be productive life long learners in their life after high school.

Q: What are your strengths as an administrator and teacher that you feel can benefit the district?

A: My strengths are in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment and school improvement. As a teacher in special education, I had the opportunity to work in classrooms preschool through 12th grade to support teachers in developing strategies to individualize learning for students with disabilities. I learned how to facilitate collaboration among teachers, parents, and community services, as well as how to problem solve to find solutions to tough issues. As a building administrator I was able to empower staff to make decisions about how they used curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies to support all learners. At the university level, I have been able to work with principals and superintendents to help them support instruction by developing professional learning communities and to develop and support a process for using individual student data to make decisions about instruction and learning. I am not afraid to admit I have made a mistake or to say "I don't know," then work with a team of educators to find solutions. I am thrilled to be a part of the Pittsburg Community Schools team of educators.