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ELKTON -- With more than 40 years in education, Robert Allen of Wenatchee, Wash., is heading the Elkton School District as interim superintendent this school year.
Former Superintendent Rhonda Zosel resigned at the end of June after working in the district for five years. She accepted a position as vice principal at South Umpqua High School.
Allen has taken over her duties of serving as superintendent and principal at the high school and elementary school for the district with about 160 students in kindergarten through 12th grade and 13 preschoolers.
Elkton School Board member Daniel Burke said the school board thought Allen would be a good fit for the district. There were seven applicants.
"He's just a good communicator," Burke said.
Since school started Sept. 6, he's been out in the hallways talking to the students and communicating with the parents. He seems to work well with the teachers and staff, Burke said.
"It's exactly what we needed," he said.
Allen decided to take the job because he believes he has a lot of knowledge to give children.
"I wanted to work more with kids, and I like small school districts," the 69-year-old said.
He's served as a middle and high school teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and superintendent in six school districts. He was superintendent for 14 years in Bridgeport, Wash., north of Wenatchee. He retired in 1998, but went on to serve as superintendent in Echo, in Eastern Oregon, from 1998 to 2001. He returned to Wenatchee and took a break from education.
He's never lived in Southern Oregon before, but it's an area that interests him, he said. His wife, Betty, and 14-year-old stepdaughter, Mercedes, will make the move after selling their house in Wenatchee. Allen would like to work in education for a few more years, and said he may stay in the area.
He said he's looking forward to the school year. Because he took the helm right before school started, he said he's learning right along with the children.
The board will begin the search for a new superintendent in December or January.
* You can reach reporter Danielle Gillespie at 957-4202 or by e-mail at dgillespie@newsreview.info.
Former Superintendent Rhonda Zosel resigned at the end of June after working in the district for five years. She accepted a position as vice principal at South Umpqua High School.
Allen has taken over her duties of serving as superintendent and principal at the high school and elementary school for the district with about 160 students in kindergarten through 12th grade and 13 preschoolers.
Elkton School Board member Daniel Burke said the school board thought Allen would be a good fit for the district. There were seven applicants.
"He's just a good communicator," Burke said.
Since school started Sept. 6, he's been out in the hallways talking to the students and communicating with the parents. He seems to work well with the teachers and staff, Burke said.
"It's exactly what we needed," he said.
Allen decided to take the job because he believes he has a lot of knowledge to give children.
"I wanted to work more with kids, and I like small school districts," the 69-year-old said.
He's served as a middle and high school teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and superintendent in six school districts. He was superintendent for 14 years in Bridgeport, Wash., north of Wenatchee. He retired in 1998, but went on to serve as superintendent in Echo, in Eastern Oregon, from 1998 to 2001. He returned to Wenatchee and took a break from education.
He's never lived in Southern Oregon before, but it's an area that interests him, he said. His wife, Betty, and 14-year-old stepdaughter, Mercedes, will make the move after selling their house in Wenatchee. Allen would like to work in education for a few more years, and said he may stay in the area.
He said he's looking forward to the school year. Because he took the helm right before school started, he said he's learning right along with the children.
The board will begin the search for a new superintendent in December or January.
* You can reach reporter Danielle Gillespie at 957-4202 or by e-mail at dgillespie@newsreview.info.
