Staff Greets New Wichita Superintendent

April 01, 2009

John Allison

(WICHITA, Kan.)

With a smile on his face and his hand outstretched, new Wichita school superintendent John Allison meets and greets staff members.

The district hosted a reception for Allison Wednesday evening. Everyone from secretaries, to teachers and principals stood in line for a chance to shake the hand of the new boss.

"I can't imagine coming here and having to meet dozens and dozens - hundreds of people," said Irving Elementary Principal Larry Perlman. "I know he's had a long day. I'm sure he's going to be glad when this day is over," said Perlman laughing.

Allison admits he won't remember every name and face right away.

"No way," he chuckled. "They've been telling me the quiz at the end will be pass/fail so I'm hoping that doesn't mean I have to pass to be able to come back in July."

Allison officially starts in Wichita in July. For now, he's finishing up work as superintendent of Mt. Lebanon School District in Pennsylvania. Allison comes from a small, affluent district to the largest school district in Kansas where the majority of students live in poverty.

"I don't think the transition will be difficult," said Allison. "There's a learning curve with any district you enter. The basic component - quality instruction - is similar from district to district."

Wichita, like all school districts in Kansas, faces a tough budget year. School Board President Lynn Rogers says Allison's previous experience in Kansas schools will be a big benefit.

"His work in the Shawnee Mission school district and his understanding of how the Kansas funding formula works will help quite a bit," said Rogers.

In his three days in Wichita, Allison will visit schools and meet with students, staff and union representatives.

"It's a big team," said Rogers. "We want to make sure he knows all the different players so he can hit the ground running so that we don't lose any time once he gets here."

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