Outstanding Rural Building Administrator
Melinda Wilbeck
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As a building administrator, Melinda has to listen to numerous concerns on a weekly basis from parents, students, faculty and upset spectators at sporting events. No matter what she may be feeling on the inside, she deals with each situation in a professional manner and follows the proper chain of command when dealing with these issues. Mrs. Wilbeck does not define her job as just the middle school principal.
Mrs. Wilbeck is liked and respected by the faculty and students alike. She has a great rapport with all the stakeholders of the district. One staff member remarks, "She is a leader that is not afraid to jump in and help with whatever needs done, regardless if it is in her direct job description or not. She doesn't even give it a second thought, she will find a way."
Melinda was instrumental in introducing the ZAP program in the middle school. ZAP stands for Zeros Aren't Permitted. This program is designed to increase expectations of those students who habitually, or even occasionally, fail to get their homework assignments complete and turned in to the teacher when the assignment is due. This program involves the entire staff and clearly emphasizes the belief that homework assignments and projects are important and must be completed.
A former teacher describes Melinda as a student as having the distinct characteristics that made one take notice and realize she was going to be a very productive person. Now a few years later this former teacher has the opportunity to work with Melinda in the same school district and notes her to be a very effective administrator that came back to her alma mater and is giving back to her community.
Mrs. Wilbeck's primary goal has always been to provide that environment that will allow students and teachers achieve their maximum potential. Melinda's work ethic, dedication, and commitment to her job makes her deserving of Missouri's Outstanding Rural Building Administrator for 2008.