Lee Leiker named USD 408 superintendent years ago
Staff writer
Lee Leiker will take the helm next year as Marion-Florence USD 408 superintendent of schools.
Board of Education members approved Leiker's signed contract during their regular board meeting Monday night.
The two-year contract extends through the 2005-06 school year. Leiker will receive an $85,000 yearly salary and benefit package, according to USD 408 board clerk/business manager Martin Tice.
Leiker, who currently serves as superintendent of Stanton County Public Schools in Johnson, will begin his new job July 1 in Marion County.
During a phone conversation Tuesday morning, Leiker said he and his family are excited about the opportunity they feel Marion offers.
"I believe Marion is a great community that holds education at a high standard," Leiker said. "I'm anxious to be a part of it.
"The teachers, the board, the support staff, are all very focused on children," he said. "I look forward to the opportunity to help raise standards and do the best we can for children."
USD 408 board members expressed appreciation Monday night to teachers, support staff, and the community for their involvement in the selection process.
"I'm really excited about our new superintendent," said board vice president Gene Bowers. "I think we got a good man for the job."
Board member Roger Hannaford III said he thought the district had interviewed five excellent candidates and noted he was excited about the "new leadership."
Board president Rex Savage told district staff their work in helping find the new superintendent was appreciated.
Marion-Florence USD 408's new superintendent has served as the superintendent in Stanton County since 2001. Prior to that time, he was a high school principal in Atwood and Colby, was a math and computer instructor and coach in Smith Center and Colby, and taught math for a semester at Colby Community Junior College.
Leiker received his superintendent endorsement from Fort Hays State University in Hays in 2000 where he also received his master's degree in secondary administration in 1992. He received his undergraduate degree in mathematics education at FHSU in 1985 and an associate of science degree from Colby Community Junior College in 1983.
He received technology training at San Jose State University during the summer of 1989 and completed directed staff development at Kansas State University in the spring of 1988.
Leiker and his wife, Diane, have two children, Jordan, 18, and Landon, 11.
"Diane is anxious to be part of the Marion community and get involved in all kinds of activities," Leiker said. "Jordan will be off at college, but he's looking forward to coming to Marion and seeing what's there."
Leiker will be taking the reins from school superintendent Gerald "Gerry" Henderson who will be retiring in June after six years with the district.
The Leikers soon will be making relocation plans. They plan to move to Marion prior to his July 1 start date.
