Our Viewpoint
Dean the right fit for JISD right now

Last week, the Jasper Independent School District announced they were suspending its search for a new superintendent.

The district has been searching for someone to replace Dr. Eddie Dunn, who had resigned to accept a post with the Ennis School District late in 2006.

While some school districts may have been tossed in disarray due to the loss of its leader, Jasper ISD has continued moving right along under the leadership of interim superintendent Bill "Butch" Dean.

Dean, who has served as financial director for the district for years, was tabbed to lead the district in the interim but now the board has decided to leave him in the post for "an undetermined amount of time."

"We are very pleased with the way things are running and a lot of that credit goes to the board but mostly it goes to Mr. Dean and his staff," said school board president Eddie Hopkins.

Dean was to retire from the district this year but his leadership has proven to be needed as the district had to search for a new athletic director and two well-publicized incidents at one of their campuses.

It is rather easy to be a leader through calm waters. But when those waters get rocky, only the strong survive.

Dean's leadership has had a calming effect on the district and his work is something this whole community should be proud of.

Roses go to….

t All the brave kids who took part in the annual Evening Lions Club Easter Egg hunt Saturday morning.

t First Baptist Church's Upward Basketball program, which promoted character and self-esteem in its participants.

Thorns go to….

t The Federal Emergency Management Agency, our lightning rod for controversy has once again given us a reason to doubt our federal government with letters to local citizens requesting a refund of $2,000 evacuation funds.

t Snow in April? Last weekend's weather mix-up eliminated the use of those frilly Easter outfits as everyone bundled up for another cold weather snap. Blame El Nino'.