While Superintendent Craig Clark still has two more years before he retires after his current contract expires, the Centralia City Grade School Board has already named his replacement.
Assistant Superintendent Christine Becker was given a new four year contract at this week’s meeting, the last two where she will move into the Superintendent’s job.
But Clark emphasizes he does not plan to coast.
“Really feel like we’ve accomplished a lot over the last 9 years I’ve been here. We are not going to push the brakes. I have two years to go and we have several building projects left, building upgrades. Discipline is one of the issues we’ve been working on in the district and I think we’ve got some things coming up that I won’t be able to share for a little bit but working with Judge Sanders in new innovative ways to help students in the area of behavior.”
And as far as his retirement plans.
“I think the first thing will be to rest. That might be a week or maybe a month but I’ve been preparing to work and volunteer more in my church, do some community service type things. And my 9th grand child will be here in May so I’m sure there will be time set aside to be grandpa.”
Meanwhile, Becker who started in the Centralia City Schools as an 8th grade teacher 20 years ago, is excited to continue her progression to the top job after serving as both assistant principal and principal of Centralia Junior High before moving to her current position three years ago.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I will have the opportunity to learn from him over the next two years so that hopefully it makes the transition a little more smooth. But I have spent the majority of my career in this district so I’m pretty excited to move into that leadership position.”
Becker notes the district is in good financial condition and the multiple building projects now underway will be completed, allowing her to concentrate on curriculum which is her strong point.
“Figuring out how to not only attract but retain quality educators is probably one of the biggest challenges. Then obviously there are behavioral issues we want to strive to make sure every student is able to learn and we have an environment where teachers can teach and students can learn is a challenge but one I’m excited to work on.”
Clark will officially retire on June 27th, 2025 ending a 29 and a half year career in education.
