CAT Tracks for April 27, 2005

CAT Tracks for April 27, 2005

GOINS, GOINS, GONE!

Well, on second thought...

Goins Says "No"

Newly appointed Regional Superintendent Greg Goins has announced that he will not complete the final two years of Dan Anderson's term for personal reasons. Goins was appointed as Regional Superintendent on April 21 and was expected to take office on July 1. The Regional Office of Education serves the southernmost five counties of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties.

"I went through the process from start to finish and was appointed to the position by the County Commissioners of the five counties," said Goins who will continue to serve as superintendent of Thompsonville Schools in Franklin County. "But I've decided that politics may not be the best arena for me to be in. It's been a stressful two weeks for me, my wife, our family, and friends. This has all happened so fast and I've just decided that it's not for me."

Goins, of Goreville, said he looks forward to resuming his duties as superintendent of Thompsonville Schools.

"I was never looking to leave Thompsonville," said Goins. "I have the support of our school boards and the support of the people in the community. I look forward to completing all the projects we have been working on the past three years."

Goins also wants to thank all his supporters during the appointment process.

"I've had so much support from school superintendents, principals, and teachers in the region and I am forever grateful for that support," said Goins.

Update from Thursday's Southern Illinoisan...

Goreville man passes on regional education position BY GAIL RISSI THOMAS
FOR THE SOUTHERN

THOMPSONVILLE - Last week, Greg Goins, superintendent of both the Thompsonville high school and grade school districts, was making plans to leave his position to become regional superintendent of Regional Office of Education No. 2, comprising the five southern-most counties in the state.

Goins had been appointed to the position by commissioners in Alexander, Johnson, Union, Pulaski and Massac counties. The present regional superintendent, Dan Anderson, is taking early retirement in the second year of a four-year term.

But this week, Goins had what he calls a "change of heart," and says he will remain in Thompsonville to continue the job he has started.

"I did accept that position," Goins said. "But the last 10 days have been very stressful. Things happened so fast; I needed some time to catch my breath and look at the whole thing. It just wasn't right. It was all about timing."

"It was too late for me to be leaving Thompsonville," Goins continued. "I don't want to leave them high and dry, and I really don't know if there is enough time for them to find the right person to fill my position. We are just completing a $1 million building project, and I need to stay to see it through to completion."

The $1 million project is an addition that will add adding five much-needed classrooms to the junior high wing, as well as restroom facilities, a commons area of the gymnasium and gym renovation. Seventy-five percent of the project is being funded by the government, with the district providing 25 percent.

As for his immediate and long range plans, Goins says he will be seriously considering his future possibilities in education.

"Right now, I have every intention of being in Thompsonville as superintendent next year," Goins said. "I am very proud, however, of the fact that I was appointed to the regional superintendent's position. I consider it a tremendous honor, and I certainly hope that they will find a well qualified person who is right for them. I certainly appreciate all the support I received, both from the commissioners in the five counties of ROE No. 2 and from the board members and teachers in Thompsonville," Goins added. "I just may decide to make a run for that office at the next election opportunity in 2006."