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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 2006)
The INDEPENDENT, February 16, 2006 Banks teacher featured in state’s Update The Superintendent’s Week- ly Update, an online publication from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), includes a Teacher Feature in each issue. “In my travels around the state,” Superintendent Susan Castillo explained, “I meet many excellent educators. I wanted a way to acknowledge and celebrate their work. This is a series of ‘stories’ about ed- ucators who are making a dif- ference for Oregon’s children.” A recent edition, written by Regina McLoud of ODE, fea- tured Ron Alley. By Regina McLoud Ron Alley Alum of Banks High School, the Banks Junior High School physical education teacher of 16 years, and a former Banks High School wrestling coach, Ron Alley is a dedicated mem- ber of the Banks educational community. Mr. Alley has been involved with district curriculum planning and has given a positive direc- tion to the physical education department at Banks. He led not only the junior high school teachers, but the high school teachers as well, organizing the physical education program, encouraging unified discipline, and mandating uniforms. The physical education department is now very organized and stu- dents transition easily from jun- ior high to high school. Respected by students, Mr. Alley is seen as fair and consis- tent allowing him to work with each student, helping them to develop their skills and exceed his high expectations. Mr. Alley has the gift of seeing the chal- lenges his students face and helping them overcome their trials. One of his students was on the verge of dropping out, but Mr. Alley took him under his wing and went the extra mile to see him succeed. Giving this student rides to school and scheduling tutoring sessions were a just few of the ways Mr. Alley helped ensure this stu- dent’s success. In physical education class- es it can be difficult to grade students on ability, but Mr. Alley embraces this challenge, grad- ing each student on personal growth, improvement, and ef- fort rather than comparison. He teaches his students about self discipline and provides them with skills for life long activity. In addition to his physical educa- tion classes, Mr. Alley also coached wrestling at Banks High School for 13 years. He taught his wrestlers the funda- mentals and techniques of wrestling by having detail ori- ented practices. Although not currently coaching, he is a con- stant force behind the scenes, helping with activities and lend- ing support. In Mr. Alley’s character edu- cation class, he emphasizes the importance of being a good, Books, Electronics, Collectibles, Unique gifts, Vintage jewelry, Fishing, Hunting and Military Tents, Ammo cans Antique Furniture: • Curio’s • China Cabinets • Antique Dressers • Possum Belly Farmers Table • Hoosier Style Kitchen Cupboards • Samick Electric Baby Grand piano • COUNTRY CHARM VINTAGE KITCHEN STOVE Hidden Mountain Treasures 3 miles west of Banks on Hwy 26, mile post 48 Open 10am - 6pm Monday - Thursday 503-324-9105 www.hiddenmountaintreasures.com kind, and helpful community member. His students partici- pate in many community serv- ice projects and Mr. Alley works hard to be a liaison between his students and the community. A very involved community mem- ber himself, he models active citizenship for his students. Through Mr. Alley’s vision and leadership, Banks now has a new community center built al- most entirely from donated funds. Ron Alley has completed an administrative program and steps in for the principal from time to time. Principal Mark Everett values his good judg- ment and consistency when handling administrative duties. Banks High School Principal Jim Foster confidently said that, “Ron Alley has a bright fu- ture ahead of him; with his work ethic and personality com- bined, he will do great things.” To recommend an educator to be featured in the Superin- tendent’s Weekly Update, visit the ODE website and fill out the Talent Pool Recommendation Form: <http://www.ode.state. or.us/groups/teachers/awards/ edtalentpool/talentpoolrecom mform.rtf>. Page 15 City Manager job description done Banks City Councilor Pete Edison presented the job de- scription for a Banks City Man- ager, that his committee had developed, at the February 14 council meeting. Edison and his committee started the process by looking at what oth- er cities of a similar size have to see if it was reasonable to hire a city manager. They found that the vast majority had a city manager or administrator. In fact, comparable communities typically have 5-6 management staff positions. The committee then looked at Banks’ needs and decided that expertise in public works was a prime need and that the city manager should be the chief operations officer and head of both the administrative and public work branches of the city. This would include su- pervising the water depart- ment. The city manager would plan and manage all public works projects, supervise city employees and help with budg- eting, among other duties. The manager would work under the general supervision of the city council and the mayor. Edison noted that it is un- usual for the city manager to be combined with a public works position. Thus, it may take some searching to find the ide- al candidate. He suggested that council prepare to hire for this position but noted that it couldn’t be accomplished until budgeting for the next fiscal year is underway. Council will review the proposed job de- scription and discuss it again at the next council meeting. Mayor Mike Lyda, in his role as acting public works superin- tendent, reported that recent heavy rains had caused leak- ing in the library roof. Five Star Builders was directed to do ini- tial repairs to stop further dam- age and to develop a scope of work for repair. The initial esti- mate for repair is $50,000. Council reviewed the deci- sion of the Banks Planning Commission on a proposal by the Sunset Park Association for improvements at Sunset Speedway. The Commission approved the proposal with several landscaping provisions which must be completed by January 12, 2007. Before rac- ing can begin this year, they must also obtain permits with Washington County and Clean Water Services. Council decid- ed to renew the business li- See page 16 Tin Coats and Pants IN STOCK Most special Order items available 2nd day PRECISION UTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Banks Hardware 503-324-5221 • 150 N. Main Street, Banks • Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm • Saturday 8am to 5pm • Sunday 10am to 4pm