Published: July 04, 2009 02:16 pm      

WITH VIDEO! New superintendent ready for a new year

It’s official. Tom Condict is new superintendent of McAlester Public Schools.

Condict began his career like many others in the field of education.

He was influenced by his teachers and coaches while in school. He admired what they did and enjoyed sports and realized it could be the field for him.

“I knew whatever career you choose is how you’ll spend a lot of time, so I chose something I enjoyed,” Condict said.

Condict has worked as a teacher, coach and athletic director. “I always had the plan to go toward administration,” Condict said.

He began his administrative career at Jones as the assistant principal and football coach. Condict then became principal at Dewar.

Condict’s next step was superintendent. He worked seven years as the superintendent for Okemah Public Schools. Condict discussed changes he made while at Okemah. “I feel positive about the facility improvements made,” Condict said. While superintendent at Okemah, the district was able to build a new gymnasium and new vo-ag facility. The district was able perform numerous renovations, upgrading almost all facilities to some degree. The district was also able to start a 4-year-old. “It was a plus,” Condict said.

While McAlester is much larger district than Condict’s previous one, he is ready for the challenge. “The challenge of a larger school is that there is more to do, but you have more help to get it done,” Condict said.

Condict plans to spend time evaluating the needs of MPS before making any changes to the system. He is hoping with community and school to identify the areas that need immediate improvement and work from there. “Identify the needs and identify the means to accomplish that,” Condict said referring to his agenda. At this point “tweaking, rather than overhauling,” Condict said is his plan early in the game.

Condict is looking at personnel on hand and personnel needs. He is also looking at the projected budget.

Condict has now moved to McAlester with his wife, Pam, who will be teaching fifth grade at Parker Intermediate Center. “We really like it. I have been impressed with the people and the community, Condict said.

In his free time Condict enjoys traveling. “I like the mountains and the ocean and all points in-between,” Condict said. He also enjoys golf, music, fishing and hunting.

Condict met with the members of the faculty and staff in May and heard many good things about the school, personnel and students. MPS plans to hold a community reception soon, so that everyone will have the chance to meet MPS’s newest superintendent.