New superintendent brings enthusiasm to USD 408 years ago
Staff writer
A colorful conglomeration of coffee mugs is the focal point in Lee Leiker's office in the Marion-Florence USD 408 central office building.
Leiker, the new superintendent of schools, has collected coffee mugs since becoming an administrator 11 years ago.
"I started when I first became a high school principal," Leiker explained with a smile. "I had received a few interesting ones and just started collecting."
Displayed on wooden shelves, Leiker said they were made by students.
"The first one was made by a student who had been sent to the office to see me," the superintendent recalled. "During our discussion, he told me he liked to work with wood. I asked him if he'd make me a shelf.
"That student made the shelf and was never sent to the office again," Leiker said laughing.
The other shelves were made by students in vo-tech classes and the like. "That's why none of them are quite the same," he said.
However, the fact that all were made by students makes each special. That's the same philosophy Leiker brings to his job as superintendent of schools.
"As a teacher I enjoyed working with students in the classroom. Then I became a principal so I could deal with more students," he said.
As part of the natural progression, Leiker became a superintendent so he could work with all students, K through 12, while indulging his other main interest — numbers.
"As a former math teacher, numbers have always been enjoyable to me," he said. "As superintendent, I could work with all students and with numbers."
Moving up the ranks
A native of Colby, Leiker graduated from Colby High School before attending and graduating from Colby Community Junior College with an associate of science degree. He then attended Fort Hays State University where he obtained a bachelor of science degree in mathematics education.
Leiker's first teaching job was teaching math at the junior college in Colby for one semester. Moving to the high school environment, he taught math, computers, and coached in Colby and Smith Center.
He obtained his master's degree in secondary administration in 1992 from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and was offered his first principalship at Colby High School, a position he held from 1993 through 1995.
While some might find it challenging to work as the principal in a school where one previously worked as a teacher, Leiker said the situation "was great."
In order to be closer to family during his father's illness, Leiker left his job in Colby and took the principal's job in Atwood.
"Atwood was a smaller school than Colby and involved less hours," he said. "It was a good choice for our family at the time."
Obtaining his superintendent endorsement from FHSU, Leiker took the reins in 2001 as superintendent of Stanton County Public Schools in Johnson, a position he held for three years before coming to USD 408.
Leiker said when he learned Marion-Florence USD 408 was in the market for a new superintendent he surfed the Internet, read about the area, and his interest was piqued.
"I saw how progressive the community is," Leiker explained. "I was impressed by the quality of the school system and the quality of specific events in the community. You have a very progressive community and school system."
Journeying to Marion Feb. 2 for an interview on a snow day, Leiker liked what he saw and stayed an extra day to visit the schools when students and staff were present. After all was said and done, the job was offered to Leiker.
"My family and I felt Marion-Florence was the type of school system we wanted to be involved in. It was a great fit," Leiker said. "This area has a tremendous amount to offer. People here are extremely fortunate."
Leiker's family includes his wife, Diane, and two sons. The oldest, Jordan, will be a freshman this fall at Washburn University in Topeka majoring in pre-pharmacy. Youngest son, Landon, will be a sixth grader at MES.
"At this point Diane is doing a great job supporting me and our two boys in their various activities," Leiker explained. "She gets very involved in community activities and keeps busy."
The Leikers are making their home at Marion County Lake.
Getting acclimated
Leiker's first official day on the job in USD 408 was Thursday and he "hit the ground running."
"One of the keys to the ongoing effectiveness of a school system is its ability to renew itself — its ability to seek and find better ways of fulfilling its mission, " Leiker said. "That's what I plan to continue to do."
Leiker said he will be examining the district's mission and goals and "see what we can do better."
"As superintendent I have to review the vision of the district and have other people look at it and see what they want the district to become," he explained. "Staff, parents, and community members alike all need to have a compelling desire to become whatever that vision may be.
"And I feel that vision needs to be an accurate reflection of the school and community."
Once the vision has been renewed, then school improvements can be implemented to accomplish and act on that final vision, he explained.
Although Leiker feels the district's vision and mission statements should be re-examined, he said he wasn't looking to make changes.
"But I am analyzing all aspects of the education system and taking information from staff and community members," he said.
"As a new superintendent I see many of the strengths of the district," he said. "I really haven't found any weaknesses."
Not necessarily a weakness, Leiker said technology is an area of concern for any school district in the 21st century.
"Every school district needs to keep moving in a positive direction with technology. Almost any career a student chooses to do will involve technology, be it higher education, employment, or a trade school.
"It's a tremendous task for school to stay up-to-date and provide the best education possible in that area," he added.
As a former computer teacher, Leiker said he planned to incorporate technology into areas the district may not have used previously.
"One change I hope to do is use Power Point presentations at board meetings," he said.
Although he is not planning any changes at this time, Leiker said the district will be experiencing change.
"The most prevalent is the departmentalized fifth and sixth grade program at Marion Elementary," Leiker said.
Even if change is minimal, the challenges — which every district faces — are great. In rural Kansas, the most obvious are declining enrollment and budget issues.
"We'll be committed to deal with those in a way that's most productive for students," Leiker noted. "Everybody faces challenges. Budget issues are problems even families and individuals face. Likewise, schools are facing those challenges."
However, raising taxes to solve budget problems is not on the agenda, he said.
"I know our board is committed to the belief they don't want to raise taxes. And I commend our board for their stance," he said. "They're looking at ways to solve financial problems without raising taxes. They're a very professional board very committed to the children of this district.
"They continue to keep students as their focus," Leiker said.
Getting to know you
Leiker said he would enjoy the opportunity to visit with any parents or patrons of the community.
"They are welcome to stop by my office anytime. I'd also be happy to visit with any group or individual if they'd give me a call," Leiker said.
The new superintendent also encourages staff, parents, and the community to attend board meetings.
"I'm not nervous about having people attend board meetings. I welcome them," he said. "I'm honored to be part of this school system and this community."
With a new school year starting in about one-and-one-half months, Leiker issues another invitation.
"As school gets underway I invite parents and patrons to stop by any of our buildings. We've got a great educational system."
