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“TRIBUTE TO OLATHE, KANSAS, SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RON WIMMER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2116-E2117 on Nov. 20, 2004.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO OLATHE, KANSAS, SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RON WIMMER
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HON. DENNIS MOORE
of kansas
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 19, 2004
Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, last week Dr. Ron Wimmer, who has served the students and parents of the Olathe, Kansas, school district for over forty years--during the last fourteen years as Superintendent of Schools--announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2005. He has been one of the primary catalysts of the Olathe school district's commitment to excellence, and his retirement will be mourned by all citizens of that community. I am pleased to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Wimmer's forty years of service to the Olathe school district by placing in the Congressional Record two articles summarizing his achievements that appeared recently in the Olathe Daily News.
Wimmer's Retirement Surprises Many in Community
(By Kevin Selders)
Ron Wimmer's announcement he's retiring at the end of the school year came as a surprise to many in the Olathe community and beyond.
Wimmer, who has spent his entire 40-year career in education in the Olathe district, made the announcement public Tuesday after submitting his notice of retirement to Olathe school board president Debby Daniels Oct. 17 and notifying district staff Monday.
An e-mail was sent notifying others of his decision Monday evening.
``Clearly it's disappointing for the school district, but he has provided us with 40 years of service to the school district and the community, so it's hard to argue with him when he's ready to retire,'' Daniels said. Daniels said the news wasn't released sooner because of the election.
``We didn't want a discussion of Dr. Wimmer's retirement to influence the voters' decision on the school board (issue) one way or the other,'' she said. Wimmer discussed his retirement individually with board members in the days leading up to last week's board meeting.
Daniels said Wimmer brought up the timing of his announcement during the board's executive session after its meeting on Thursday. The board also discussed when it should get started on the search for the next superintendent, which is considered a personnel issue.
Andy Tompkins, commissioner of education for the Kansas State Department of Education, received the news of Wimmer's announcement during the middle of a Kansas State Board of Education meeting.
Tompkins, who said he's known Wimmer for at least 25 years, said the superintendent's retirement will be a great loss for the district. He said Wimmer is a man of high integrity and the purest motives who has always worked for the best interest of children.
``You're not going to find a bigger fan of Ron Wimmer than me,'' he said. ``I just think he's as good as they come. I have the highest regard for him.''
Michael Copeland, mayor of Olathe, said Wimmer has led the school district to become one of the best in the nation. This achievement has, in turn, benefited Olathe in many ways.
``Olathe is one of America's fastest-growing cities for many reasons, but none more important than our excellent schools,'' Copeland said. ``Ron Wimmer deserves much of that credit. He will be missed, but he's leaving the district in great shape. His commitment and dedication to excellence in Olathe, and in particular our children, cannot be understated. He means a great deal to our community.''
Frank Taylor, president of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce who served on the school board for 16 years, said Wimmer has been instrumental to Olathe's success as a city.
``Olathe possesses a jewel that sets it apart,'' he said.
``It is a nationally acclaimed school district that uniquely equips Olathe children for life and draws business and industry to Olathe so effectively that we are one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. That is Dr. Ron Wimmer's gift to this community.''
Diana Wright, a psychologist for the district and former student of Wimmer's, sent him an e-mail Tuesday morning. She said Wimmer was her principal when she was a seventh-grader in 1975.
``I remember you as the warm-hearted, friendly principal who always had a smile on his face,'' she wrote. ``Now as an adult I wanted to let you know what a wonderful impression you made on me as a student.''
She went on to tell him how although she was a good student for the most part, she was overwhelmed with authority figures. She said every time she walked by her principal she tried to hide her eyes. ``You always went out of your way to say hello and greet me in a warm manner,'' she said. ``It always made me feel like I was special. I'm sure that is how you made all your kids feel.''
Betty Carpenter, Wimmer's secretary since he moved to the education center in 1978 as director of personnel for the district, said things are going to be a lot different next year.
She said the next superintendent will have some big shoes to fill.
``He set a lot of good foundations for the future to build on,'' she said. Carpenter said she could retire as well, but has no plans to just yet.
``I love my job,'' she said. ``Part of that is because of the boss, too.''
Wimmer Retires After 40-Year Career
(By Kevin Selders)
As Ron Wimmer, superintendent of the Olathe school district, sat among spectators cheering on Olathe football teams Friday, he realized he knew something nobody else around him knew.
Wimmer, 61, decided to let everyone in on his secret Tuesday as he publicly announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2005.
The announcement comes midway through his 40th year in the district and 14th year as its leader.
``Today I'm very excited and pleased with the response I've received from the staff,'' he said. ``I've had so many touching e-mails from people that I've come in contact with over the last 40 years.''
Wimmer denied his decision had anything to do with the recent decision made by voters to change the method of electing school board members.
``I've thought about it for months,'' he said about his retirement. ``I had so many sleepless nights. It just was a tremendous worry for me.''
However, he said making the decision and notifying district staff and others Monday brought him peace.
``Last night was the first in many nights where I just slept all the way through,'' he said.
``Each step has been difficult,'' he added. ``There's just so much commitment that I've had over 40 years. It's hard to believe that I'm at this point, but I feel very good about this decision. I feel it's the right thing to do at the right time.''
Wimmer submitted his notice of retirement to Debby Daniels, president of the Olathe school board, Oct. 17.
Wimmer, who was eligible for retirement eight years ago, felt compelled to stay on as superintendent because of continued challenges the district faced, primarily in dealing with its growth.
``There was always some major project,'' he said.
He added that he's ready to finish out the rest of the school year.
``I'm still very motivated by what I do every day and I feel very good about that,'' he said. ``I always wanted to retire before I felt the need to retire.''
LOOKING BACK
Wimmer's earliest career move actually saw him leaving his own education under difficult circumstances.
As a junior in high school, Wimmer was expelled during the middle of his junior year, forcing him to move away from home to live with relatives and change schools. Because of the move, he lost his car and his girlfriend.
``That was a rough time,'' he said. ``The good thing that came out of that was I got a new girlfriend and eventually got my car back and I didn't get into anymore trouble again.
``You could say I learned my lesson . . . and I'm still married to the same girl today after 43 years.''
Wimmer said he's tried to use the experience for positive purposes in the school district.
One of these purposes was the development of the district's alternative-education program in 1972. Often after finishing his daytime duties, Wimmer would work with students in the night program.
He said he's always used his own experiences to motivate students who find themselves in a similar situation.
``That doesn't necessarily indicate they cannot go on from there and be successful,'' he said.
Wimmer said the key to any success in his career comes down to one thing--his education.
``My education is what opened the doors for those opportunities,'' he said.
Wimmer started his career with the district the same year Olathe Unified School District No. 233 was born. The district was formed in 1965 when five school districts--Countryside School District 103, Meadowlane School District 108, Mount Zion School District 105, Olathe School District 16 and Pleasant View School District 96--merged. After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1965, Wimmer started teaching Spanish at Olathe Junior High School in downtown Olathe, where Millcreek Center now is.
He moved on to Santa Fe Trail Junior High School when it opened a few years later.
He received his master's degree in educational administration and curriculum from the University of Kansas and became assistant principal at the school in 1969 and was appointed director of personnel for the district nine years later.
In 1980, he was appointed assistant superintendent. Three years later he completed his doctoral degree in educational administration and curriculum, also from KU.
Wimmer was selected superintendent in 1991 after a nationwide search. As superintendent, he encouraged the board to join in a lawsuit against Kansas regarding school funding in 1991 and implemented a new school funding formula, which included the local option budget.
The major projects Wimmer stayed on for after his 1996 eligibility for retirement included four bond issues totaling
$314 million. He also saw 16 schools open, two district activity centers and other facilities.
During his time as the district's leader, Wimmer saw enrollment jump from 15,357 students to nearly 23,700 students, making it the third-largest district in Kansas. The district's staff has nearly doubled. It now employs more than 3,600 people. Wimmer's awards during his years as superintendent include the Olathe Citizen of the Year from the Olathe Area Chamber of Commerce in 1997, Kansas Superintendent of the Year that same year from the Kansas Association of School Administrators and the Distinguished Community Service Award from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2000.
However, what you won't find on his proverbial mantle is what he's most proud of--his relationship with students, parents and staff and his contribution to maintaining the feel of a small community within the district.
``I think it's critical to the climate of the organization,'' he said. ``Everything we do is accomplished by people. It's important the person in my role have a good rapport with the people to maintain a positive climate in the school district.''
While Wimmer has been superintendent, student achievement scores have reached all-time highs on the SAT, ACT and Kansas Assessment tests and the district's staff development methods were chosen as a model by the U.S. Department of Education. He said he's also proud of the district's reputation locally. A survey conducted during parent teacher conferences this fall showed 97 percent of the 1,900 parents who participated giving the district an A or B grade.
Wimmer cites the district's continued focus on excellence, which has led it to being dubbed the only district in Kansas to receive the Kansas Award of Excellence. A year ago, the district launched its 21st Century High School Programs in aerospace and engineering; e-communication; biotechnology/life sciences; and geosciences. The programs are now being studied nationally by districts seeking to find ways to engage students in academics and make classroom learning relevant.
``I think that's the most significant reform movement you would find anywhere at the secondary level anywhere in the country,'' he said. Staying in the same district for his entire career, despite opportunities elsewhere, is another achievement.
``I never started out to do that,'' he said. ``A growing district provides opportunities for advancement. I have just been very fortunate to have all of my professional career aspirations met while I was in this district.''
WHAT'S NEXT
As his education career ends, Wimmer said he plans on staying in Olathe, which he's called home for 40 years.
``I'm looking forward to being a private citizen,'' he said.
He said he plans to continue to be an advocate for children and public education. ``I'm going to consider other options that might come available and continue to be involved in the community,'' he said.
He said he doesn't plan on pursuing any political aspirations.
``At one time I did, but at this point and time I do not. I don't like the negative tone of politics,'' he said.
Other possibilities for Wimmer may include doing some consulting work or even writing a book.
``I have some thoughts on what it will take for education in the future to achieve the higher expectations that are imposed on schools today,'' he said.
As for the district's future, he said the board now must determine what type of process it wants to utilize in selecting his replacement. He said he expects a special board meeting in the coming weeks to discuss the process and the road ahead. He said he expects the process to be completed by February.
He stressed that while he may assist in the process, he won't take part in making any decisions.
``That's entirely up to the board of education,'' he said.
Wimmer said he expects the board to accept his notice of retirement at its December meeting.
Wimmer said he knows he made the right decision and doesn't feel like he overstayed his welcome.
``I know I didn't wait too long,'' he said. ``I hope I just didn't go too early and only time will tell.''
Wimmer said he's going to miss the people he works with, the students and others he's come in contact with as superintendent, among other things.
``I went to the football game and said, `This is something I'm going to miss,' '' he said. ``My wife reminded me that I can still go back to the football games. I plan on continuing to go.''
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