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LM Month 2019
“During a period of financial
uncertainty, Kevin’s financial
oversight and budgeting ability
kept our district in great financial
health,” says Gary Westermeyer,
School Board President in Scott-
Morgan CUSD #2.
Blankenship was also a strong
voice in the passage of the
County Schools Facilities
Sales tax, which paved the way
for major renovations to the
elementary/junior high school in
Bluffs. Those renovations included installing a much needed
central heating and air conditioning system.
The passage of both referendums was dependent on the
district getting out its message and maintaining open lines
of communication with the school board and community.
Visibility was also a major factor. Staff, students and
community members need to see the superintendent in the
schools and at events.
“I do as much as I can to spend time in each district,”
Blankenship says. “I’ve found it’s really beneficial for me to be
seen in each district.”
Support
of Staff
Like many of her
colleagues, Megan Little,
a special education
teacher at Winchester
Elementary School, was
slightly apprehensive
about the idea of a dual
superintendent. But
since Blankenship has
come on board, those
fears have receded.
“It’s been very positive, and I have heard up and down the
hallway here at school that everyone has great things to say
about him and can see that the district is moving forward,”
Little says.
Andy Stumpf, principal at Winchester Elementary School,
adds Blankenship’s knowledge of school finance stands out.
“He’s looked at the budget and talked about some of the
changes that need to be made and given us our budget and
said this is what you get. Use it wisely,” Stumpf says.
Discussions are underway in both communities about the
possibility of other shared services which could benefit
both districts. The building committee from each board has
already met and discussed the possibilities to address the
aging high school buildings. One building was constructed in
1914 and the other in 1921.
For the time being, the plan is to see how a shared
superintendent agreement goes. Whatever happens,
Blankenship is ready.
IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark is confident he will
be up for the challenge.
“Kevin is a tremendous worker,” Clark says. “He’s smart. He’s
perceptive and will do whatever is necessary to get the job
done correctly. That’s Kevin. He will outwork almost anyone
else around him.”
See page 8 for details on reception honoring Dr.
Blankenship as 2020 IL Superintendent of the Year...