There is a new face in USD 254 Central Office. Jerry
Cullen, formerly USD 220 Superintendent, started his position on July 1.
Cullen replaced Suzanne Germes’ duties as our superintendent of our school
district.
"My wife, Judy, and I are excited about being here,"
Cullen said. "We have felt very welcomed by the community and got pointed
in the right direction when we needed things, which was very nice."
Cullen feels that all school districts, even smaller rural
ones, face an ongoing challenge in regards to state funding. Also, another
one of his challenges and goals is to keep high quality educators to teach
our students.
"I am very diligent on making sure we find the money to
attract high quality educators," Cullen proudly stated.
For the present moment, Cullen is going to sit back and
see how the board members operate.
"Just because I have done something in the past, does not
mean I am going to do that again," Cullen stated.
Cullen has long-term goals in mind, which will benefit
parents, student body, administration and the board members. One of his
goals as stated before is to have high quality education for all of the
students graduating from high school.
"I want the graduates leaving here to go to Kansas
University, or wherever they go, and feel comfortable," Cullen explained.
"I want them to step out and be competitive wherever they go."
He also wants to maintain the facilities that the district
currently has and look into ways to make the facilities as user friendly
as possible.
Another long-term goal is to get as much input as possible
and initiate any ideas and thoughts that people have.
"This is a true passion with me," Cullen commented. "We
need to address the needs of at-risk students. We also need not to ignore
the needs of students that are above the curve."
Cullen feels strongly that all the students in the USD 254
district not just come out with a good education, but that they come out
with a great education. That is exactly what Superintendent Cullen is
shooting for.
