By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon
August 13, 2008 07:27 pm
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MONROE TOWNSHIP — Kent Houston is not only Conneaut’s new schools superintendent but also their biggest booster.
On Tuesday night, Houston took his enthusiasm to Monroe Township’s trustees meeting. Houston introduced himself to trustees, shared some of his background and handed out free passes to the Conneaut High School Spartans’ home football opener on Aug. 29.
Trustees and audience members alike received complimentary tickets to the game.
Injecting some school spirit into the Conneaut community is one of Houston’s priorities, and he shared that message at the Monroe meeting.
“I want to get you to check out what’s going on in our schools,” Houston said. “We’re trying to become part of the community.”
The vast majority of Monroe students attends Conneaut schools. The township was a big factor in Houston’s decision to slice one administrative position and use the salary saved to help reinstate school busing for the coming school year, he told trustees.
Busing for many students was eliminated in a cost-cutting move after voters barely rejected a school levy on the March primary ballot. Houston, with the Board of Education’s backing, revived busing after just a few days on the job.
The Monroe meeting marked the first time Houston handed out game passes, he said Wednesday. Other locations could follow if it helps builds enthusiasm, he said.
Charles Riley, trustee chairman, asked how Monroe can help the school district.
“Just take notice of some of the things we do,” like academic achievement, Houston said.
Houston worked many years in the Conneaut district as basketball coach, teacher and administrator before spending the 2007-08 year as Geneva High School principal. He returned to Conneaut to succeed Mary Zappitelli as superintendent.
“I’m really excited to be back,” Houston told trustees.
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