Parkview High School - Viking Log Yearbook (Springfield, MO)

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Willard J . Graff Superintendent 'nlmfifafs-1 The Teachers' Advisory Council, made up of representatives elected by each faculty in the system, met regularly with Dr. Graff in the assembly room of the Administra- tive Services Center to discuss professional questions. I3 A deep respect for young people, a sincere concern for the Welfare of each as an individual and an abiding faith in their integrity as tomorrow's citizens are basic to any de- cision made by Dr. Graff. Although he has many demands. on his time and energy, the door to Dr. Graff's office is open to any student, patron, or staff member, and any problem pertaining to the welfare of the individual or to the educational program is treated with respect and concern. A great deal of Dr. Qraff,s success lim in his ability to attract qualified personnel. He brings to his position a re- spect for the professional staff, a deep understanding of school problems, a perspective which enables him to get at the heart of a problem, and a leadership which establishes a dynamic educational atmosphere. Providing quality educational opportunities to meet the needs of the individual in a changing world is his prime concern. Through his leadership, the school system has kept pace with the growing need for additional school facilities and for an educational program ranging from vocational preparation to college preparatory courses. Dr. Graffas qualities of leadership have been recognized throughout the nation. Last summer he was awarded an honorary doctor's degree by Drury College. He was elected president-elect of the Missouri State Teachers Association last fall and will serve as association president for the 1967- 68 year. He has served on numerous education committees including the Planning Committee of the Governor's Con- ference on Education last fall. He is president of the 40 Club, an organization of superintendents in 12 Midwestern states. He is a past president of the Missouri Association of School Administrators. In addition to his educational interests, Dr. Graff is active in church and civic work. Throughout his many interests, however, the educational opportunities for young people remain uppermost. ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Front Row: Mrs. Hazel Ponder, director of personnel servicesg Dr. A. M. Alexander, assistant super- intendent for secondary educationg Dr. Graffg Dr. Roy Little, as- sistant superintendent for elementary educationg David Berryman, director of vocational, technical, and industrial education. Second Row: .Ioe Grant, director of building services: John J. Sweeney, di- rector of pupil servicesg Dr. Joe Kuklenski, director of curriculum developmentg and Kenneth Kraft, director of business services.

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Administrative Team Emphasizes Individual Needs To provide for the 24,500 students who are enrolled in the 4-2 elementary schools, including kindergartens, the seven junior highs, the four senior highs, and the Vocational-Technical School which offers 90 adult night classes in addition to its regular daytime program is the main concern of the Board of Education. The members of the Board, who are elected by the citizens, are entrusted with the responsibility for working with profes- sional educators to provide for the intellectual, physical, and social needs of the students. The Board works closely with Dr. Willard Graff, the superintendent of schools and the executive officer for the Board of Education, to adjust the program to meet the needs of a growing community in a changing society. The Board is aware that the growth of the city is a major factor in the growth of the schools. ln their planning, therefore, members must consider such factors as new industry, urban renewal, residential development, mobility of local population, and the rate of increase in over-all student population to deter- mine the future needs of the students. Since providing adequate facilities, competent teachers, and educational opportunities for all students is a major task which requires far more than attendance at a meeting once each month, Board members spend much of their own time away from their businesses and professions on school business. Their only compensation for this work is the knowledge of the important contribution they make to the community and to the nation and the well-deserved appreciation of the citizens and students whom they serve. BOARD OF EDUCATION Front Row: Henry W. DeBruin Turner White, president: William Magers. Second Row: Dr. Willard Graff, Dr. Arch Lowe, Jr., Dr. G. B. Lemmon, Jr., vice-presiclentg Franklin Gamble Kabovel. The Administrative Services Center, in its second year of use, was not only a complex of offices for ad- ministrative personnel, but its conference and assembly rooms were at the service of school groups for intra-city meetings, of the Springfield Education Association, and of the community as the Parent-Teachers Council and the Board of Education met there. I2

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Dr. A. M. Alexander Assistant Superintendent To his position as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, Dr. Alexander brings the warmth of a friend and the dignity of a truly professional administrator. Dr. Alexander was delegated responsibility in the areas of personnel, supervision, and instruction. His depth of under- standing of educational problems and his professional ap- proach in working with both lay and professional people contribute to his effectiveness as an educational leader. Fundamental to his educational leadership is a profound respect for the individual. His concept of education as a builder of people is basic to the decisions he makes in planning an educational program for young people. Dr. Joe Kuklenski, director of curriculum development, discussed with mem- bers of the Curriculum Council and the Instructional Council some of the current trends in curriculum as the group met to exchange ideas in a con- tinuing effort to provide the kind of educational experiences needed. I4