I like this time of year and I always feel that with the summer comes wonderful times of outdoor activities that all can enjoy in this area. I also like the idea of High School Graduation and seeing the culmination of all the students who are going out into the real or collegiate world. I really like the summer...I never complain it is too hot, always dress reasonably comfortable and work on our Summer Youth Theater Program. The summer for me is indeed a very creative time.
In preparation for the summer vacation and the 4th of July weekend, it also becomes a time to say "so long". Many people come and go through our lives but this year, I need to pass on some kudos to two wonderful people that have served this area for quite some time. I know that they are not actually gone, in fact they are all moving onto different roles in other communities or at home. It is just the idea that Batavia will miss them. It is the idea that they served our community so well... it is the idea that they truly loved our schools and our children.
This is the last graduating class for Superintendent Richard Stutzman. At the time of his appointment he was a radical choice that shocked some people. In his words, Dick was always a "bean counter" that cared more for the dollar and cents and the bottom line. We need those types of people in a successful education setting. They are the ones that rein in the tide of spend, spend, spend and to put reality back on the plate before projects and programs go out of wack and costs escalate. Dick was a champion "bean counter" who had spent time in the classroom at his Mt. Morris Central School.
The Board of Education at the time decided we were not seeing anyone with Mr. Stutzman's abilities in the mix of candidates for the job.....so we asked him to step up and become our Superintendent. Dick Stutzman turned into the best person ever for this district. He truly became an advocate for all students and prudently turned our City of Batavia School District into a First Class Educational Facility that is one of the TOP 15 High Schools for Technology through the Prometheum Corportation. Winning awards and providing training for schools from across the United States and doing it all with a sense of student caring and an "education for all" attitude.
All I can add is, "Mr. Stutzman - Thank You" ..... you truly are a champion in the field of education.
Bette Rung has always been involved with Batavia City Schools. She attended Robert Morris and the old East School (where the Salavation Army Citadel is now.) and she continued working in the district as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools. She worked for three different men and was also the Clerk for the Board of Education. Bette was and still is a huge proponent of our School District. She was always efficient, kind and helpful. She was also a friend. There have been many times when my health has not permitted me to be as involved as I should be with the City Board of Education. Mrs. Rung was right there for me, bringing me information, making sure things were getting signed and issues were being addressed.
Mrs. Rung has also retired and to those who know her, they will tell you of her dedication to the children of this district. She has worked with three superintendents, hundreds of Board of Education Members, thousands of staff members and over 50000 children. She is truly an angel for this district.
Mrs. Rung, my personal and professional gratitude. Your kindness will always be cherished, your caring will always be appreciated and your concern for our City School District will always be remembered.
As these two close the door on one career and look at the future, I wish them luck, love and much health. I pray they will stay safe and free from care and I hope, and just for one brief moment that they will stop in and say hello. It is hard to forget those that have left such a huge imprint on one's life.....all we can do is remember the gentle impression and be grateful that you met, you worked together and you did well.
Mr. Stutzman and Mrs. Rung...... you did well..... Happy Retirement!
