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Grimm Eager to Start at Galesburg School District

T.J. Carson
Ralph Grimm has spent the last 10 years as West Central's superintendent, and has previous served as one in Canton's school district.

The next superintendent of the Galesburg School District considers the district a “diamond in the rough.” Ralph Grimm, the current superintendent of the West Central School District in Henderson County, will replace the retiring Bart Arthur on July 1.

Grimm feels Galesburg is doing some things quite well.  He said his toughest challenge will be to make the district even stronger.

One task for Grimm is to help the district heal after last year's divisive teacher's strike. He said there are plans in the works to move forward, but the plans must focus on students.

Credit T.J. Carson
Galesburg School District leaders cited Ralph Grimm's ability to bring groups together as a reason to select him as the next superintendent.

“Everyone in the education profession wants to do what’s best for kids.  At their core, that’s why they’re in this profession.  Otherwise, this is a pretty tough profession to be in," Grimm said. 

"And so if we start with that premise that we’re going to do what’s best for kids, then we’re going to do what’s best for our community because strong schools and strong communities go hand-in-hand.”

Grimm said the district should also focus on creating a vision plan. 

Another challenge is one faced by districts across the state: finances.  He said revenues are declining at the state and federal levels, and he understands that no one wants to pay higher local property taxes.

“You can’t have such a high tax rate for the school district, and all the other taxing bodies, that you can’t draw people to your community.  So I hope to be able to work with leaders of the other taxing bodies in the community and figure out where District 205’s position is in that hierarchy, if you will, where we fit,” Grimm said.

Grimm said he'll know more about the district's budget when he begins his new job. And he said he is working to make himself available to community and district leaders before he takes over as superintendent.