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Messenger photo by Renee Gannon
Jeffrey Beane is the new principal at Madison-Plains Middle School. |
On July 21, the Madison-Plains Board of Education extended a unanimous welcome to its new middle school principal, Jeffrey Beane.
Beane was selected for the position from a pool of more than 15 applicants. He signed a two-year contract and will start Aug. 1. He replaces John Woodason.
When asked what attracted him to the position, Beane said, “This is a wonderful community. The school has great teachers, and I wanted to serve in the district that I live in.”
Beane, who lives four miles away from the middle school, said his first priority is to get to know the staff.
“We are all a team, and we will find success together,” he said.
Another priority, Beane said, is to improve Ohio Achievement Test scores. The most recent results show that Madison-Plains Middle School met 4 out of 10 state indicators and is rated “effective.”
“I am confident that they will be more proficient on the school’s next report card,” he said.
Madison-Plains Superintendent Bernie Hall stated, “We were impressed with Jeffrey’s attitude towards the students as well as his positive outlook in knowing that the students ‘will’ learn. He has great experience and we knew that he was the guy to go to for the job.”
Beane has been involved in education for eight years and most recently served one year as a K-8 principal for Southeastern Local Schools in South Charleston. He received his master’s degree and principal’s license from the University of Steubenville.
In addition to serving as principal, Beane will serve as the middle school’s athletic director.
“It will be a challenge but I really enjoy going to extracurricular activities, and I am excited about this opportunity as well,” Beane said.
“I get the most satisfaction in knowing that I live in this community,” Beane continued. “I believe it is important as a member of any community, that you do all you can do to improve the quality of life. The big benefit for me is the fact that I get to watch it take place as the principal of this school.”
Beane resides in Madison County with his wife Rhonda, daughter Rachel, and son Justin.
Tolles Update
Madison-Plains board member Don Swonger discussed Tolles Career & Technical Center’s progress. He said enrollment has increased in some areas while decreasing in others.
“Overall the school is growing and has experienced a huge growth at the Health Academy,” he said.
On the other hand, the school has seen a major drop in its electricity and carpentry programs.
“There seems to be a shortage of electricians in central Ohio which is surprising considering all the building that is taking place,” Swonger said.
He suggested that the board promote public awareness of Tolles’ programs, not just for high school students but also for adults looking for a career change.
“We hope to be a leader in central Ohio as far as job training goes,” Swonger said.
Other News
• The board will hold a work session at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 19 to discuss administrative salaries. The regular meeting will follow at 7. The board also will consider planning a community meeting to discuss facility issues.
• Madison Rural, Midway and Mount Sterling elementaries will have a new start times this school year. The school day will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:10 p.m.
• The board accepted with regret the resignation of Kelley L. Crites, who has served the district for 39 years as a high school math teacher.
“He was truly a once-in-a-lifetime teacher,” Swonger said. “The kids knew that if they had problems, Kelley was always there to help them. We will miss him.”
The board also accepted with regret the resignation for retirement purposes of Sharon Blowers who has served the district for 35 years.
• The board approved student participation in a cheerleading camp that will take place Aug. 9-11 at The Ohio State University for the high school and middle school cheerleaders. They also approved a trip for the girls’ varsity softball team to Walt Disney World during spring break, April 5-10, 2009.
