Comments on: Assistant Superintendent Thomas Van Soelen Resigning from CSD Effective June 28th

By: Chris Billingsley

Chris Billingsley — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 00:54:12 +0000

Thanks Deanne. Skillful is a good word to describe Dr. Van Soelen. Not only did he have to navigate the treacherous waters of the Central Office and the suspicions of both veteran and new teachers, he also faced angry parents, some of whom did not believe a word he said or wrote. I too was suspicious of his implementation of a new teacher evaluation program, Class Keys, and dreaded the possibility of him showing up in my classroom with his 26 item checklist. But over the years I grew to respect both his intellect and sence of humor. He had an impossible job, working/reporting directly to the superintendent, implementing programs that caused unbelievable teacher stress, and dealing with the most demanding parents in the state. But he handled it all with a great deal of professionalism and integrity. Maybe the best thing I can say about him was that he was a gentleman, that he loved his children, and worked hard to make the City Schools of Decatur a better place. He would have made a fine superintendent and may still do so in the future. I wish him well.

By: HappyGoLucky

HappyGoLucky — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:04:40 +0000

I am disappointed CSD didn’t at least let everyone know Thomas would be leaving. He’s going to be very difficult to replace!

By: Judd

Judd — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 12:11:25 +0000

Thomas has been a tremendous public servant and will be very hard to replace. Thanks Thomas! And best wishes for the new firm.

By: Deanne

Deanne — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 12:50:51 +0000

Best to you on your new endeavor, Thomas Van Soelen! Not mentioned, but what I hope you’ll also be coaching folks on, is how to handle things on blogs. You deserve mad props on how skillful you were at that for CSD– not only would you come on here and politely provide information, but you were a master at slipping in stealth snark! (Just wanted you to know it was appreciated! :0)

By: Sugarmama

Sugarmama — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 02:01:11 +0000

Bummed. Thomas is a great guy who gave all of his talents to CSD and made many improvements. He will be missed. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.