December 24, 2009

Ritzville School Board reorganizes

Curtis, Hennings, Kommes honored for service

Adams County Elections Officer Heidi Hunt led a swearing in ceremony Monday for the newest members of the Ritzville School District Board. Marci Miller and Layne Iltz were given the oath of office during the opening minutes of the meeting.

Interim Superintendent Bill Thurston then presented plaques to three outgoing members of the board. Dave Kommes was recognized for 16 years of service. Curtis Hennings has completed eight years of service as he steps down from the board. Bren Curtis, who was the 2009 board chairperson, was honored for five years of service.

Thurston noted that Kommes has only missed two meetings during his 16-year term.

“I would like to thank my wife and kids,” Kommes said of their support of his school board service. “It has been a pleasure to serve the district.”

The veteran member of the board offered some advice for the incoming board members: “It’s a lot of common sense. Do your homework and it all will go pretty swell.”

Kommes thanked the entire staff from school teachers and paraprofessionals to the custodians and the current superintendent.

“What would be my legacy? What it really is, is the teachers and the people who work here,” he said. “Dad always said ‘You want to leave a place better than you found it.’”