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O'Connor in line for Texas administrative post
Published 8/22/2009 in Local News : Education
By EMILY BEHLMANN
Holcomb USD 363 Superintendent Robert O'Connor may be headed home to Texas for a new superintendent job in a district where he once worked as a principal. Meanwhile, USD 363 is searching for an interim superintendent to lead its district.
O'Connor was selected Aug. 13 as the lone finalist for a superintendent/CEO position at Columbus Independent School District, about 75 miles west of Houston, the district's Board of Trustees President John Brasher said Friday.
Brasher said the board is scheduled to officially vote to hire O'Connor Sept. 8. Texas law requires institutions to name finalists at least 21 days before hiring a candidate.
Brasher said he expects O'Connor would start at Columbus in October.
O'Connor didn't return messages Friday to confirm if he would accept the job.
Tim Miller, president of USD 363's Board of Education, said the Holcomb district is calling around to look for an interim superintendent — a process he expects will take a few weeks. He said the board likely will undertake a full-fledged superintendent search later in the school year.
He said finding a longer-term superintendent now is unlikely, since most administrators already have begun their jobs for the year.
School started in Holcomb on Monday.
O'Connor has been with the Holcomb school district for two years, and in May, the USD 363 Board of Education voted to extend his contract with a $110,000 salary for the 2009-10 school year — up from $93,000 for the 2008-09 school year.
O'Connor would be returning to familiar territory and a larger district. The Texas native served as principal at Columbus ISD's Columbus Elementary School before starting in Holcomb. The Columbus district has seen an enrollment of about 1,500 for the past several years, according to the Texas Education Agency, whereas USD 363's enrollment is about 900.
Columbus has a population of about 4,000.
O'Connor's bachelor's degree in animal science and math is from Texas A&M University in College Station; his master's in educational administration is from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas; and his Kansas superintendent certification is from Fort Hays State University.
Before becoming an administrator, O'Connor was a teacher and coach at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, N.M., for one year; at Palacios High School in Palacios, Texas, for two years; and at Bellville High School in Bellville, Texas, for three years.
From 1997 to 2001, he worked as principal and athletic director at USD 237 Smith Center.
The Colorado County Citizen, a newspaper in Columbus, reported that O'Connor has family near Columbus, including a mother in Brenham, Texas, where he attended high school.
Brasher said his district was glad to have O'Connor returning to Columbus.
"You're going to lose a really good man, and we're fortunate to get him," Brasher said.
Found 25 comment(s)!
Teach and Lead
I understand that a community is hurting and you feel slighted. I feel sorry for the students. But my grandfather always said that he would never fault a man for trying to improve himself or his life. Mr. O'Connor was just the next superintendent to leave. How long does a Superintendent really stay in one place? Good or bad. There was a superintendent in Topeka that made over $1000,000. He was given a $25,000 signing bonus, A house and a car. He had breakfast made for him every morning at the office. He even got the school district to pay for him to finish his doctorate. Of course once he finished his doctorate, he left the very next year. The thing to do is to rally the troops and circle the wagons. Put the energy into finding a great replacement. There is great leadership in the schools in terms of principals, teachers, and parents. Teach and lead. Focus on the students. They are the ones that need the attention now.
Posted by: SB on 9/2/2009
You Don't Need This
As a long time supporter of Holcomb schools, I can tell you that you have a superior school system, with or without Mr. O'Connor. You have teachers who have been there for years and even decades. You have students who go on to excel at universities. You have top grade sports programs. You have the most supportive parents I have ever witnessed. Now is your opportunity to start fresh with new leadership. The only flaw I can see in your structure is your school board. You must let them know what you want and see that they do your bidding. If they don't, then vote them out. You, the voters, are in control. You have a fine school system. Support it. Support your teachers. Support your students. Support your parents. Support each other. Your children are worth it.
Posted by: Friend of Holcomb Schools on 9/1/2009
RESPECT
It seems to me that opinions are more likely to be heard when given respectfully. Respect seems to be missing in this debate.
Posted by: AA on 8/31/2009
Mr. O'Connor
First of all, I can't say how disappointed I am in Mr. O'Connor's behavior/attitude. What kind of person demands a $20,000.00 raise during these tough times, knowing full well that he has interviewed for another position in another state. A man would have declined the raise, and been honest with the Board and told them that he was interviewing. Even worse is that he waited until after school had started and then announced that he was leaving. That is low! He is probably asking for a matching salary if not more in this new school. We need to quit finding fake people from outside the district and go with those that have been there for years and have proven themselves. I think we have a wonderful candidate in Phil Keidel right here in Holcomb.
Posted by: an unhappy parent on 8/30/2009
Good Luck Holcomb
Mud slinging does nothing but clouds the issues & breaks down the opportunity to work together. Some comments make me wonder if Mr. O’Connor was speaking of private school matters with his friends, something that goes against policy. Teachers get up every morning and go to work to teach your children. Funny though, the most important teachers in every child’s life are his parents. Today, teachers would be better prepared to go into combat. They need the support of their administration more than they need the micromanaging that can sometimes be found and which Mr. O’Connor was apparently very good at. A great leader rolls up his sleeves and lends a hand wherever needed. A great leader can take the criticism because he knows & believes in a vision. He stays for the long haul. Something tells me Mr. O’Connor was not that kind of leader. How many of you would spend your own money to educate someone else’s children? I know for a fact that I do and I know for a fact that even my daughter does, and she has young children. Mr. O’Connor left many teachers without the means to buy the most basic school supplies and yet, I bet many if not most used their own money so that their students would have what they needed. Teachers are citizens of your community and as such, they are entitled to their opinion and the third amendment guarantees their right to have a voice. Anyone who has a job gets a break. Most get one in the morning and one in the afternoon and usually a lunch break. Teachers get a planning period and maybe lunch if their lucky. Mr. O’Connor is leaving, so what. Better to lose one superintendent who does not share the vision of his staff and whose actions have caused so much turmoil in a community. Holcomb is a small town. And like all small towns, truth gets blended with fiction and no one truly has the entire story. Your teachers are going no where, they were there when Mr. O’Connor arrived, and they are the ones that are still in your community long after he has left. After all, they believe in the job they are doing & your students.
Posted by: intrested observer on 8/29/2009
Bashing MRS. H
To Any persons bashing MRS. Hebrlee I have thing one to say. Those who live in glass houses should not cast the first stone. Maybe you should have more proof of your accusations.
Posted by: Mike Knehans on 8/26/2009
O'Conner fans
To all you O’Conner fans do you have on blinders or just refuse to see the micromanaging he really does? These teachers are professionals they do not need this type of management. In the time O’Conner has been in Holcomb he has ruined the moral of a majority of the USD 363 staff. I dont know how many employees I have heard comment on his lack of leadership ability. So I say to O’Conner followers are you readily going to jump on the coat tails of the next Supt. for your own personal agenda or gain? BOE I hope that you do what you were voted into office to do and that is to do what is best for the students of your district.
Posted by: brian on 8/26/2009
Mr Keidel
Mr Keidel,,, now there is a name i have never heard a bad word about. he sounds like a fair and honest man who ACTUALLY CARES about our children. politics need to be put aside,,afterall the whole reason for a school to exist is to teach our children. the teaching faculty need a leader than can feel comfortable with and that they can put their trust into,,, and from the mountain of people i have talked to Mr Keidel is the man for that job. schools should not be the place for drama and stress ,,, and when it happens it jeopordizes our childrens education. oconnor is bad all the way around in this aspect for the the simple fact of in the end he only cares if he gets it his way and it goes on his resume,,, way to go oconnor sounds like you succeeded in pissing at least 3/4 of the district and surrounding towns off at you.
Posted by: jc on 8/26/2009
We are already at the bottom so what can it hurt to let someone who knows the community and schools at the very least fill in till the BOE finds someone to replace O'Connor. I knew the kids were mean at holcomb but I completely understand where they get it from . PEOPLE GET OVER YOURSELF!!! This all sounds like 'he said' 'she said' bull and I'd figure that the "parents" that wrote in to this were more mature than that. I was wrong. I dont agree on O'Connor's raise with the economy being down but my opinion didn't matter. As for the person named 1 MAD PARENT (subject title A HUGE LOSS) I think you need to stop and look in the mirror before you call people clowns. What makes you any better than they are. Maybe "clown #1" can't run his business. What is it that you do... Can you do it right??? Why are you bashing on them on the telegram's blog? Mrs 'H' got her blog removed for whatever reason, maybe she regretted the way she said things after she had already hit submit. And for Mr 'H' it's time to calm down, no not all students say "hey there's (whatever teacher) I know I dont to every teacher every time including your wife. Dont feel too special cause kids know who you are. There are other people that work at the schools or in the community that kids know. Let Mr Keidel who has been here since I can remember run the show!!!
Posted by: former student at Holcomb on 8/26/2009
Mr Keidel
Mr. Keidel would be an excellent superintendent. He has been here for a lot of years, throughout numerous superintendents. He has observed their mistakes. He has been educated for that specifically. We need to support our dedicated. We as a community need to strive to have what is best for our community and students. We need let our school board know that this is who we want as our superintendent. Why look elsewhere, when we have an excellent, qualified individual right here among us? Mr. Keidel has been there for us parents and most importantly for our kids. We couldn't find a better replacement!!
Posted by: another parent on 8/26/2009
Why not!
I agree with what you said about Mr. Keidel. What can it hurt? The community is in such a turmoil, things need to be smoothed over, and he could get things in perspective again. He already has the respect of most, if not all of the community. And as you stated, he has stuck it out through thick and thin. He has accomplished a Great deal in his years as principal. He knows the community. At least let him do the interim ship, then go from there. Until you let him show you what he can do, you will never know how well he would do. I'm sure he would benefit the district!!!
Posted by: parent of students on 8/26/2009
Why Not?
Why not consider Mr.Keidel? He has the education and certification. He knows the curriculum, strengths and weakness of the district. Implements plans of action in order to meet and succeed AYP. He has guided the elementary schools in being one of 72 elementary schools throughout the United States to successfully strive in closing the achievement gap. He has working knowledge of school finances on the national, state and local levels which he deals with on a daily basis. He knows the district employees and Holcomb patrons by name and their families. He has demonstrated strong leadership abilities and is fair with his employees as well as students. He knows and implements board policies. He has also proven, with his longevity, that he is willing to stay and see things through for more than a couple of years. Since Mr. O’Connor has decided to leave the district after school has begun, to have someone who can step into a position well prepared the day the office is vacated is priceless. Can an interim superintendent do this? BOE please put your personal feelings aside and do what is best for the students of USD 363 who deserve the best education with devoted teachers and support personal with decision makers putting the needs of students first.
Posted by: B.Ryan on 8/25/2009
Mrs. H bashing
Hey, if y'all want ot bash my wife, why don't you have the GUTS to sign your name to it. Better yet, go get up in her face about it. I'll tell all you right now, she won't back down. My wife Johnetta is a great teacher. Not every kid acknowledges every teacher, the kids in this district do. I hear it EVERYWHERE we go. That's, Mr. Hebrlee to y'all who bashed my wife. Maybe you'd be better off living in a sensorship world. If your going to make this personal, I will GLADLY step where most of you won't.
Posted by: William Hebrlee on 8/25/2009
a loss?
in a time of budget cuts and job reductions why is it that a school official gets a big raise? that should in no way be allowed. secondly in this economy a job is a job ,, be it a bus driver or janitor or management so dont trash it for you may be there one day. i have observed many things Oconnor has done at holcomb and i am in favor of almost NONE of them. he wants any employee of the school gone that disagrees with him.he wants it his way or no way and he cares not what the public has to say. he may hear your request but rest assured it is disregarded about as fast as you flush the toilet. also the screening system that is in place for the public the address the schoolboard is a way of avoiding public complaints and opinions. i pray that the BOE wakes up and realizes that the public put them there and the people are gonna run the school in the end.
Posted by: jc on 8/25/2009
A HUGE LOSS
Fist I would like to know why a teacher who posted a comment during school hours and signed it was able to get her post removed..perhaps she should look in the mirror and realize she is part of the problem. Second, for those teachers who chose to complain about Mr Oconnor..hold on for the ride..this guy they are bringing in is known for big cuts which include layoffs..a contract or a union won't protect you from layoffs...but you are the same teachers that thought cutting 5 Para's were cut to pay for Mr OConnors raise..lets do the math real quick 5 Para's x appx 20k = 100k...Mr OConnor didn't get that big of a raise, so congrats on you ability to spread lies and hate, you are much better at that than doing math. As for Mrs "H" she commented to bring in Mr Kiedel (this is before she called and had her comments removed), his staff is the reason why Mr OConnor took this job, all they do is whine and complain, if he can't stop bus drivers & PE teachers from complaining and spreading incorrect information, how is he going to run a district? Lastly lets talk about the loss to the community, Mr OConnor brought with him a WONDERFUL 5th grade teacher and 2 outstanding students who excelled in the classroom. I really feel for the next permanent super...how long will it take for you fools to run him/her out of town? Between the 3 clowns that lead the charge and planted false information in you heads, and you foolish memebers of the community I struggle to figure out exactly what your points are? Clown # 1 can't run his own business, Clown #2 can't even win an election if she were the only nominee, and Clown #3 has found a way to lose a city leadership role, a board role and is stuck driving a bus...you as a community are buying into their garbage? What will these clowns do for an encore? Maybe we'll all get lucky and they'll MOVE OUT since they are so unhappy. Great Job Holcomb!
Posted by: 1 Mad Parent on 8/25/2009
BOE
If the BOE is reading this i hope you take note, you must stand up for your employees and not let the village idiots trash there rep. Just read the articles below you can tell most of the idiots have no clue what they are talking about. This whole mess got so out of hand that it isn't funny. They went after the mans family. I don't blame him for leaving because I am ashamed to know some of these people. Most of these crybabies have no character. I pray for these people because they will have to answer for this mess. and this blog gave thim a forum in which to air this ----
Posted by: DAVE on 8/25/2009
THANK YOU TEXAS!
Whereas he accepted the $17,000, knowing the predicament of the state funding, do you really think he will give his 110% these last 6 weeks? NOT! That money could have and should have been used for the students. Anyone with any brains could see he was only looking out for himself. He already had been applying for jobs elsewhere. His motive was to get what he could while the getting was good. He hadn't planned on staying for any length of time. He only cared about himself. NOT the students, nor the community. The community is who pays his wages. Therefore, the sooner an interim can take over, the better! He chased himself out of town. He can only blame himself. So long Charlie
Posted by: A taxpayer on 8/24/2009
The Best Of Luck To Mr OConnor & Family
First, shame on Mrs "H" for having to call the newspaperto have her post removed she placed during school hours. Why not come forward instead of hiding, its people spreading gossip and hate like you that continue to make Holcomb look lost, furthermore, it's ashame that its people like you that drove Mr OConnor away. The drama certainly didn't make his decision difficult. Mr OConnor walked into an absolute mess, but becuase he isn't from here the townspeople decided to run him off, just as they will do with the next superintendant. The glourious Mrs "H" so eliquently indicated that Mr Kiedel should be the top choice, he can't even run his own buildings..its his teachers that caused all this uproar, now our children lose out becuase we have lost great leadership. Everyone blames the para reduction on his pay raise...hello, his raise was nowhere near the salary of 5 employees. If you had a proper reducation instead of finding your teaching certificate in a cracker jack box you'd be able to figure that out. I'm glad to see one of our board memebers and her loser husband, and a former town leader/ member of the elementary staff/nusiance to everyone and everything she does got what they wanted, to bad between the 3 of them they won't find nearly half the qualities that Mr OConnor brought to this district. Now that the above mentioned clown have seen their hard work/lies pay off, who is their next target, maybe the Recreation Department since they can't get along with anyone there? For those of you who may quitely be celebrating with the "clown clan" the best news I heard was the candidate they are considering is known for making cuts...these teachers who feel they have been done wrong haven't seen anything yet. I hope those teachers spreading gossip and hate will enjoy the unemployment line, layoffs don't protect contracts and neither does a union. In closing, I wish both Mr Oconnor and his family the best of luck and apologize on behalf of the uneducated in Holcomb who don't realize what it is we are losing. You will be missed!
Posted by: Holcomb Parent on 8/24/2009
We can only hope that the BOE does not rely on O'Connor to help select an interim. We would also hope that all of the Board is involved in this selection. Perhaps it would serve the district to let this lame duck super head south as soon as they accept the his and her resignations. (What % do you think these two will have to cough up for leaving? Could be another tough Board decision!) Also a note to Outsider your comments refelct that you haven't a clue!
Posted by: jayhawk007 on 8/24/2009
O'Connor in line for Texas administrative post
You people are a joke..I am so glad I decided not to send my kids to Holcomb.. I dont blame Bob for wanting to leave. Its because of idiots like you he is leaving. I wish him and his family the best of luck. Holcomb is losing a good family and great leader... And to you complainers and whiners - YOU are the ones who have caused all the drama, you are all like a bunch of 2 year olds throwing a fit because things are going your way. I hope you are all proud of yourselves.. You are all a joke..
Posted by: Outsider on 8/24/2009
Hopefully the school board will find an interim asap! The sooner, the BETTER.
Posted by: A PARENT on 8/23/2009
wish Texas the BEST of LUCK!!! cause they definitely need it.
Posted by: citizen of concern on 8/23/2009
Irony
Wow, isn't it ironic how just a few short months ago many parents were being criticized for their lack of judgement when many of us chose NOT to back this superintendant and instead chose to support our teachers and most importantly our children. We voiced our concerns only to be yelled at by some Holcomb citizens who thought they knew Mr. O'Connor better than anyone and stated that he didn't want the raise just as a political ploy to gain better pay at a new job...well, what is your response now? He was looking for a new job before he was offered this last raise and no many of us aren't surprised he is leaving, in fact, some of us were quite glad when the news came out. Yes, we lost many good teachers and paras. Yes, we lost a principal. But in the end the community is still here and Bob is gone. The people who wanted so much to support Bob in all that he did at all costs, maybe you could ask if you could move with him. According to Texas, we're losing a great man and they're lucky to have him! Yeah, good luck with that. Karma comes back around.
Posted by: Peyton on 8/23/2009
crossing fingers
with all the hostile drama o'connor has created in the community lets all pray that he leaves and order can be restored somewhat to the school system. he cost alot of people jobs and taxpayer money and he had this in the back of his mind the whole time. this is what happens when a person doesnt care.
Posted by: parent of a student on 8/23/2009
No great Loss
I guess your big raise for O'Connor didn't work. Instead, you lost great teachers and a principal from our district costing our children a quality education because you won't support them. Way to go School Board.
Posted by: Mother of a Student on 8/22/2009
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