USD 234 seeks candidates to fill Drake's shoes

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Before Alan Drake took his seat as Fort Scott USD 234's business manager on July 1, 1981, he trained for six months under his predecessor, Jake Underwood.

Now, as Drake prepares to retire in July after 27 years at the position, district Superintendent Rick Werling said he hopes to have Drake's replacement hired by early March so that person can train with and learn from Drake.

"Maybe we'll be able to have someone come in and work with Alan for a while," Werling said. "I'd like to be able to have that happen."

Werling said the job vacancy will be posted on the Kansas State Department of Education's Web site and also in The Fort Scott Tribune. Werling added that he thinks the tentative application deadline will be Feb. 1.

A college degree is required for the position, Werling said, but not necessarily one in business. Drake graduated from Pittsburg State University with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science. However, Drake said, someone with a degree or some sort of background in education would also be a good candidate.

"It is a lot of numbers, a lot of business management, but you have to know the education system, too," Drake said.

Whoever replaces Drake, Werling said, will have some big shoes to fill.

"Alan is an extremely loyal and faithful employee," Werling said. "What I really like about Alan is that he does what is best for the school district. He doesn't do what is easiest for him, he does what is good for the district, and I really appreciate that."

Drake announced his decision to retire from USD 234 at Monday's regular Board of Education meeting. Drake, 59, is retiring from the district to take a controller position at Key Industries, Inc., 400 Marble Road.

Werling, who learned of Drake's decision in mid-December, said he's sad to see his friend and associate leave, but he is happy for Drake's new opportunity.

"I appreciate Alan's friendship," Werling said. "I respect him, and because of that, I want him to do what is best for him."