Thursday, April 2, 2009

Wichita's new superintendent of schools makes his first visit to the Air Capital since being announced as USD 259's next top administrator.

Over the past couple days John Allison has been meeting with administrators and staff but he says the highlight of his trip has been the chance to visit area schools.

On Thursday afternoon the new superintendent walked the halls of Marshall Middle School stopping off in classrooms to chat with school kids and just observe.

"It's been fantastic. I wish July could come a little bit quicker," said Allison.

Early July is when Allison will start on with the district full time. He's currently a superintendent in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

He says his first focus here in Wichita will be to listen and learn. And to do just that he's starting on the ground level.

"It begins to give me a feel for the culture. This is where the work occurs is in the buildings," said Allison.

And once on the job he plans to make these school tours a regular part of his routine.

"It has helped give me a snapshot of what the district is all about and what it's accomplishing at this point," said Allison.