DECATUR — A native of Arkansas who presently is superintendent of Neosho, Mo., schools, has accepted that position for the Gravette School District.
Richard Page, a native of Little Rock, will assume the superintendant's position in Gravette July 1. He replaces Andrea Kelly, whose resignation becomes effective June 30.
Page was approved by the school board in its meeting last Tuesday, after interviews with three from among the 26 who had applied for the position. The vote was unanimous.
The board minutes state: “To make the decision, the Gravette board met in executive session at 5:02 p.m., reconvened in open session at 5:18; a motion was made and seconded to offer employment (a 2-year contract) to Dr. Richard Page as Superintendent of Schools. Motion passed with a 7-0 (unanimous) vote. Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.” Educational Career
Page attended school in thePulaski County School District and later graduated with his bachelor's and master'sdegree in 1980.
He taught band, choir and music in Missouri before returning to Arkansas to serve as band director at Greene County Tech District in Paragould.
In 1987 he was appointed instrumental music supervisor and high schoolband director in Joplin R-8 school district. He completed his specialist degree in 1990 and served as high school night administrator. In 1992 he became principal at Granby elementary school in the East Newton School District and later was assistant high school principal at Webb City.
His career as superintendent began with one year at Sarcoxie, where he served one year before coming to Neosho, where he has been a central office administrator for the last 12 years, seven of those as superintendent.
Positive Words
Chris Parks, a memberof the R-5 board, wrote the following recommendation: “As a current member ofthe Neosho R-5 school board, I reluctantly, but with all confidence, highly recommend Dr. Page for the position.”
Page and the other two candidates for the superintendent slot, D.B. Merrill of Muskogee, Okla., and Eddie Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, had been interviewed by the board and several other committees comprised of educators and citizens of the district.
Page wrote to Kelly: “Thank you for extending your assistance during this transition phase. I know this is a very busy time of the year. During my brief visit last week, I met some wonderful people that care for their school district and are willing to put out the extra effort for their child’s education. My wife (Pamela) and I are looking forward to being a part of the Gravette School District and community family.”
News, Pages 12 on 04/18/2012