Metro East Sun

Rob Werden understands the magnitude of the post he has been entrusted with.

“Our schools are the foundation of our civilized society.” Werden posted on Facebook after he knocked off assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools Andrew Reinking to become the first Republican elected to the position of Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools in at least a generation.

“We are taught how to play well with others in grade school. We struggle through some of life’s most major changes in middle school," Werden said. "We develop skills in high school that will serve us the rest of our lives. All of these experiences mold us into productive members of society who gain employment and pay taxes so the next generation of students can obtain an education through the same system.”

Werden admits it’s all made for a surreal moment.

“The hours that followed have been a whirlwind,” he added. "All of the campaign committee meetings, parades, sausage dinners, chicken dinners, Facebook postings, voters’ forums, banquets, fundraisers, doors knocked, videos made and signs placed in yards had made a difference. The voters had researched and listened to my life’s story and platform and entrusted me with responsibilities that accompany the office.”

Werden takes over with a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish.

“I will do my best to be a leader who works well with others, adapts to the changes in the educational laws and skillfully monitors the well-being of our students, teachers, and school buildings,” he added. “It is a tremendous task and I am up for the challenge.”

Finally, Werden added he’s convinced the team he has in place will make it easier for him to carry out his vision for all the area’s students.

“I will not do it alone,” he wrote. “I will do it with a quality staff at the Regional Office of Education; the administrative leaders from each of the school districts across the county; the school teachers from all of schools and with community input from stakeholders who want the best for our students.”