Ed Fletcher has taken the helm of the Monmouth-Roseville School District. He spent the last six years as principal at the high school in Staunton, Illinois.
This is the first time he has been the top administrator for an entire district.
He has spent a lot of time during his first three weeks on the job learning the names of faculty and staff.
Fletcher says it's important to him not only to get to know them but also to know their expectations for the district. He says the employees have a great passion for education.
Fletcher has a business degree. He believes his expertise was one reason he was hired since all school districts in the state face financial strains.
He says, “That's going to be the biggest challenge. Looking at where we spend money. Trying to see where we can save.”
Fletcher is looking forward to implementing the new Common Core standards and new teacher evaluations. That means professional development for teachers is more important than in the past.
Fletcher succeeds Paul Woehlke. The school board did not renew his contract.