Community meets new superintendent

School patrons introduced to Larry Ben and say farewell to LeRoy Ortman

— Two years after the community became aware of the Decatur School District’s financial troubles, the school is back on solid ground with a million dollars in unrestricted funds.

One man has had quite a bit to do with Decatur’s dramatic financial turnaround. State appointed superintendent LeRoy Ortman has crunched numbers and worked tirelessly to get the school out of fiscal distress.

On Thursday night, the community said farewell to Ortman and welcomed future superintendent Larry Ben. After a chili supper, Ortman gave a financial report for the Town-hall portion of the meeting. When Ortman began his work at the Decatur School District in July of 2008, he estimated the school had only about $2,000 of discretionary money, although the school’s financial records were in such bad shape it was hard to tell.

“Really nobody knew how deep the hole was,” Ortman said.

In May of 2010, the district had a million dollars in the same fund. Ortman said he expects the district will end the fiscal year on June 30, with three-quarters of a million dollars in unrestricted funds.

Twenty-two months ago, the Arkansas Department of Education declared this school district to be dead, but rather than closing the school, they put it on life support, Ortman explained.

“But instead they hired me and I was the EMT. What I provided was a little bit like artificial respiration. You’re still not totally healthy, so they’ve hired a real doctor to come in help you the rest of the way,” Ortman said, as he introduced Ben, who holds adoctoral degree in education.

Ortman reminded the community that Ben can’t do his job alone and asked them to support Ben.

As Ben took the stage, he credited Ortman. Ben said hehas spoke to several leaders in education about Ortman.

“They all say he’s one of the best around; one of the best in the country ... and he has promised to be my tutor,” Ben said.

Ben said he plans to take a servant's role and do whatever he can to improve education for the community.

“I believe in what we can do as a community. I’m here to make Decatur Public Schools the best it can be. Our imagination is the limit,” Ben said.

“If kids don’t learn, we’re wasting our time... I truly believe education is empowering,” he said.

Ben set a goal of ending the school year with the same amount of money as it began with. His other priority is increasing enrollment, he said.

Ortman closed the meeting by reminding the community of the upcoming school board election. Five new board members will be elected in September. They will be responsible for setting policy and procedures and advising Ben for years to come, he said.

News, Pages 1 on 06/09/2010