October 14, 2003
After 10 minutes in executive session last night, the USD 470 board of education "with very deep regret" accepted the resignation of Arkansas City Middle School Principal Chris Anderson. The vote was 6-1; board member Joelyn Squires was the lone no vote.
Chris Anderson
In a letter to Superintendent Dr. Perry L. Perkins and the BOE, Anderson asked to be released from his contract as principal of ACMS, effective Jan. 1, 2004, or sooner, if a new principal is ready to take over prior to that time.
Anderson has been offered a position with Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City to serve as the first principal of their pre-school and day school. He said he had been hoping to find a position with a Lutheran school to enable him to tie his faith and his work more closely together.
"I had hoped to find such an opportunity for next school year, and never expected that a position would become available during the current school year," he said. "I was very surprised when the church contacted me in the middle of September.
"I believe the Oklahoma City position is a great opportunity for me to work with a faith-based school that is growing and interested in extending their program to reach more and more students and families," Anderson said.
He said Pastor Mark Boxman of the Redeemer Lutheran Church made such a difference in his life.
Boxman "has given me counsel. What else can you say about a man who helped you find God?" Anderson said.
Boxman said he is very happy for Anderson and that he can do great things in his position in Oklahoma City.
"I've really enjoyed his work here. This is an opportunity that fits him extremely well," he said. "The Messiah Lutheran Church knows what they're doing when they found him."
Anderson has been with USD 470 for 20 years as a math teacher, business manager and principal. He said he has enjoyed all of these positions and has appreciated the opportunity to work with the students in Arkansas City.
"I chose to raise my children here and currently have two grandchildren attending in the district," he said. "However, I am currently being called in a different direction."
Board members said they were sad to see Anderson leave the district but wished him the best of luck in Oklahoma City.
Board President Daren Reese thanked Anderson for everything he's done for the middle school. "You took that building from a place that was struggling to one that is excelling. You've been a leader for this school district."
Anderson contributed the successes at the middle school to the hard work of his dedicated staff.
"There are so many good, strong teachers [at the middle school] who give so much and work so hard to do the best things for kids," he said. "They will make sure the school is ok. They moved that place to a great place."
Gary Wilson, board vice president, told Anderson that he has been an asset to the district.
"But I understand that times change and priorities change," he said. He said he didn't want to accept Anderson's resignation, but "if you feel in your heart that this is a good move for you, I'll support it."
Dr. Perkins echoed the board members' sentiments.
"Chris Anderson has been an excellent school administrator in the Arkansas City School District for 20 years. He is recognized as an educator who cares deeply about students and their success," he said. "Although we will miss Chris' leadership, we wish him the very best; we know that he will carry with him to the Lutheran school system in Oklahoma City not only his leadership skills but also his commitment to students.
"Chris and I are working together to make the transition a smooth one for students, parents and staff members," he said.
Dr. Perkins said the administration would be looking for an interim principal until a regular search can be conducted.
In other business, the board:
The next regular Board meeting will be Monday, Oct. 27, at Frances Willard Elementary School at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.
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