New superintendent named for the Mat-Su

WASILLA — When Mat-Su Borough students and teachers return to classes in the fall, they’ll do so under the guidance of a new superintendent.

The Mat-Su Borough School Board voted unanimously Wednesday to offer the position to Gene Stone, the district’s current assistant superintendent of instruction. Stone has been in the current position since the 2010-11 school year. Before that, he was principal at Palmer Junior Middle School, according to a district press release. Stone will replace outgoing superintendent Dr. Deena Paramo, who will take the top position at the Anchorage school system this summer.

The school board could approve the one-year contract June 1, meaning Stone would officially take over July 1.

Stone said he was honored by the decision.

“My reaction is that it’s very humbling, and truly it’s an honor to carry on the vision that’s been shared by our board and by Dr. Paramo,” he said.

In the release, Paramo said Stone is ready to lead.

“I know that Mr. Stone has the leadership capacity to continue to lead Mat-Su schools and the District in a positive direction, supporting the School Board goals and objectives for the good of all MSBSD students and employees,” she said. “Gene is a devoted educator, dedicated leader, and a skilled administrator.”

Among the big challenges facing the school system: enrollment is rising at borough schools, even as state resources for things like new school construction and instruction are increasingly scare. Stone said the biggest challenge will be to maintain high educational standards in the face of tightening budget constraints.

“Our big challenge is really going to be the continuation of being ahead of what the 21st century demands,” he said. “Also, we’re a growing school district. With growth comes financial concerns as to how we accommodate the need for more space. We need to make sure we have the resources to meet our students’ demands.”

Stone also emphasized his connection to Paramo’s administration, and said he would continue to enact plans created during Paramo’s tenure, including the system’s five-year technology plan.

“Continuity is an important piece for a school board,” he said.

Stone cited numerous accomplishments during is tenure as an assistant superintendent, but said he was particularly proud of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program implemented at Wasilla High School and Sherrod Elementary School, which he credited in part for helping to raise graduation rates at Wasilla High School from about 60 percent in the mid 2000’s to 91.6 percent this year. The schools went from being labeled "dropout factories," to places where students felt comfortable to engage with adults, Stone said. The program has received some national recognition.

“It fits within that whole mindset of creating safe and civil schools,” he said.

Stone pledged to continue to improve the district.

“Regardless of what the financial climate is in the state, our plan is still to be progressive and do things for the kids,” he said.

Contact reporter Brian O’Connor at 352-2270, brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com, or on Twitter @reporterbriano.