Trib Publisher Hank Waters writes today about the second coming of Jim Ritter to Columbia Public Schools. Not trying to be flip; for some, Ritter's resurrection as superintendent is being hailed nothing short of a miracle. Waters writes: Interim superintendent Ritter to the rescue By HENRY J. WATERS III, Publisher, Columbia Daily Tribune Published Thursday, August 14, 2008 The Columbia Board of Education made the best possible choice in selecting Jim Ritter to become the school district’s interim superintendent to replace the retiring Phyllis Chase. No other person could have such instant effect. Ritter is a well respected 30-year veteran of the district who served five years as superintendent before Chase’s arrival. He knows the district’s administrative team, having hired or promoted many of them. Presumably, they will follow his lead more readily than that of an outsider, and morale among teachers is likely to get a boost as well. Ritter told me his first job will be to restore confidence and a positive attitude, knowing no progress can be made by people in despair. This is no small consideration, a first step the familiar figure can begin immediately. Forget about the brief round of speculation regarding a conflict of interest because Ritter’s wife is principal at Rock Bridge High School. To begin with, the character and reputation of the two people proves otherwise. Rather than favoring his wife or her school, Ritter will ben ...
Anytime
