Dermott to KZRG: Primary issue for Joplin R-8 is finding Ridder replacement

During an interview with KZRG this morning, Empire District Electric attorney Sharrock Dermott, a candidate for one of two three-year positions on the Joplin R-8 Board of Education, said the primary challenge facing the board is finding a replacement for Interim Superintendent Norm Ridder.

"We're fortunate to have gotten him to come in to serve as our interim superintendent.

Dermott also said the following things in response to questions from KZRG Morning News Watch hosts Chad Elliot and Sarah Novotny:

-"I'm not the person who's going to come in and micromanage the school district."

-(If the district does not receive the FEMA money it is expecting) "If that money doesn't come, we're going to be in a financial crisis, obviously. If that happens, we'll have to figure out a way to make spending cuts or raise money.

-(On teacher retention) "My understanding is when the previous superintendent was employed, my understanding is teacher morale was not very good and that's too bad. "It's on the upswing. I thank Dr. Ridder and the board for making that happen."

KZRG's interview with Sharrock Dermott can be found at this link.