Irene's Effect on Jody Goeler's New School District

As Avon delays its first day of school to Wednesday, its former assistant superintendent, Jody Goeler canceled the Monday new teacher orientation day in Region 14, where he is now superintendent.

Luckily for Bethlehem and Woodbury students, or unluckily depending on how excited students are for the new school year, the first day of school was scheduled for Sept. 1 and should not be affected. Meanwhile, at his old school district in Avon, the first day has been postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Although preparing for the aftermath of Hurricane Irene put even more pressure on his week with the district, Goeler was calm and optimistic, having done extensive emergency planning as Avon's interim superintendent last January and February during a harsh winter. He called the winter of heavy snow and ice that led to six school cancellations to "worst winter of his time" with Avon Public Schools.

Even though his administrative role in Avon required him to wake up at 4 a.m. often last winter to make decisions about school cancellations and delays, Goeler has many fond memories from his years as an English teacher and department head at Avon Middle School, a principal at the middle school, and then assistant superintendent/interim superintendent in the district. Goeler addressed the Avon Board of Education and the community last Tuesday with some parting words.

He spoke of his unique opportunity of serving all those roles in one town and thanked the community for its support.

"I came out of Avon with so much more capability to lead a district," Goeler said," and develop as an educator. I wouldn't be here (Region 14) without it."