CLEARFIELD – Dr. Richard C. Makin has taken over the “control tower” as superintendent of the Clearfield Area School District. He will begin in his new position today.
“The other administration, faculty and support staff is flying the air plane. They’re on the front lines. I’m just in the control tower,” he said.
He said that he plans to proceed slowly in his new position.
“Everyone asks me how I’ll start off. I’m going to do a lot listening and will be asking a lot of questions,” Makin said, adding that he wants to reach out to all of the stakeholders in the district.
Makin said that people think that he will make all the calls as superintendent He said that although it is true to an extent, he doesn’t work alone.
“I need to take my time and listen. I need all the information, so that I don’t make an ill-informed decision. It’s a very critical aspect in this position,” he said.
He said that he plans to build relationships and hold on to his two primary principles in order for the school district to succeed.
“It is straight forward. I want to see the kids succeed, and I want to keep them safe. To be successful, the kids have to be safe,” Makin said.
“And, that is what we are about and why we are here. We’re about enabling success in the little ones and in our young adults,” he said.
At a special meeting in November, board vice president Dave Glass said the board was “comfortable” with Makin from the start.
“It was unanimous among the board, since he first showed interest,” he said. “He was easily the most qualified individual that we interviewed.”
Board member Larry Putt’s comments echoed that of Glass, as he said Makin was “above all the others.”
“(Makin) is going to be a big asset to the district. Educational-wise, I think we’ll see a big difference,” he said.
Makin will act in the capacity of superintendent for a period of 4 ½ years. His term extends until June 30, 2013.
