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Dr. Jorgensen to resign as SW-G superintendent July 1 Jorgensen most proud of Charter School
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| Southeast Webster-Grand superintendent Dr. Mike Jorgensen announced his resignation at a special meeting of the school board January 27. This resignation will go into effect July 1. Jorgensen has accepted a job at the Washington Community School District in Washington, Iowa. Washington is a 3A school 30 miles south of Iowa City that serves 1800 students. The district is breaking ground on a new high school this spring. According to Dr. Jorgensen, "My contract was up for renewal at SWG at the end of this school year. Virginia and I had decided that we were at a point in our lives where if we were ever going to move, it would be this year or we would finish our careers where we were. I would only consider a job that I felt was a great opportunity and at a 3A school district in a little more of an urban area. It also needed to be close enough to Des Moines that we could still follow and attend Jennifer's games." "That was the size school district I worked at in Perry and we really thought that was a good size. There were two jobs listed at Christmastime that we thought met those criteria. We decided I would apply for those two jobs and if that didn't work out, I would sign a new three-year deal here. I was invited to interview for both jobs. The first did not meet my expectations after interviewing and I withdrew my application. Washington turned out to be a terrific opportunity, a great fit, and a job about which I was very excited. I accepted their offer of employment and signed a three-year deal beginning July 1." Dr. Jorgensen commented that the accomplishment of which he is probably most proud is the establishment of the Iowa Central Charter High School. SWG was the first school in the state to offer a charter school to its students. "The district received a lot of recognition for this. It was a lot of work to implement, but I believe we did it right due to the number of stakeholders involved and the planning process. It was truly a major achievement for the district and for me." "There are several memories that I will take with me when I leave. I am very pleased with what this district provided for my children. They had the opportunity to participate in many outstanding activities, while receiving a very high quality education," Dr. Jorgensen said. "I will, of course, remember all the friendships that I have in this district and the outstanding staff with which I worked. I will remember the opportunity the Board of Education gave me, considering that I came here with no experience as a superintendent. I will remember all the amazing things we accomplished. I especially appreciate the latitude they gave me to step out of the box in the area of educational reform," said Dr. Jorgensen. Dr. Jorgensen also said he would carry fond memories of the "things we were able to do in girls basketball and softball over the years and all the neat kids I was able to coach and teach. I am very proud of what some of these students were able to accomplish during my tenure." As for the future plans of his wife Virginia, Dr. Jorgensen said, "Virginia really doesn't have any specific plans. She has been made aware of the possibility of continuing working with First American Bank in Iowa City. Our first priority will be selling the house and getting moved. From there she will weigh the decision on working locally, commuting, or maybe not working at all. It is too early to say what will happen. With one daughter in Los Angeles and another very active as a collegiate athlete, it is nice to have a lot of flexibility to follow them." Future of SWG Looking towards the future, Dr. Jorgensen said that he felt SWG would be facing some very important decisions within the next 5-10 years. "I do not believe that a district this size will be supported very well by the legislature. It appears that the district will need to consider what to do in the future. I would expect a partnership with a neighboring district, but not necessarily a reorganization," said Dr. Jorgenson. "While the early childhood enrollment looks good for next year, I worry about what those numbers will be in the following years and that could create some additional financial challenges. I have encouraged the board to continue to develop a five-year plan for facilities. "I question the ability of the district to be able to maintain the current facilities without major expense." The board of education decided at the special meeting to advertise for the position beginning immediately. As for the head softball coach position, it was decided by the board to give that position to Jessica Hector, who had previously signed a contract to be the assistant coach. The assistant coach will then be offered to Jennifer Jorgensen, who spent last summer as a volunteer assistant coach. Dr. Jorgensen will still work with pitchers and catchers this spring and will serve as the voluntary head coach through the third week in June. At this time, he will turn over his responsibilities fully to Hector. |
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