Put-in-Bay School administrator retires

PUT-IN-BAY — Steve Poe is used to juggling several responsibilities at one of Ohio's smallest schools. But, after almost four decades, he'll soon call it a career. Poe, the top administrator at Put-in-Bay School, is retiring after 37 years in education and 16 years leading Put-in-Bay. Almost 40 people applied for Poe's job, and the school board hopes to announce his successor by the May 17 board meeting. Poe explained what drew him to the island years ago and why he stayed. "I accepted the Put-in-Bay position in August 2006," he said. "My sons were out of high school, I wanted to finish my career as a superintendent, and I love island life. The kids here are like family." Put-in-Bay School averages about 70 total students each year from preschool through 12th grade, Poe said. "This job is like none other. I wear a lot of hats," he said. "This has kept my job interesting and fun." One of Poe's elementary school teachers inspired him to become an educator. "I went to a very small school and Mrs. Flechtner was my teacher in grades three, four, five and six," he said. "Her encouragement and support throughout school made a difference. I wanted to be that teacher that could make a difference in my students." Before landing his job at Put-in-Bay, Poe worked as a teacher for four years at Bettsville Schools and an administrative assistant at Tri-Valley Jr. High in central Ohio before he became Margaretta High School's assistant principal for 14 years. In a letter announcing his retirement to the Put-in-Bay community, Poe noted multiple improvements and initiatives that were completed during his tenure, which includes: • Building a new library and stage and renovating classrooms • Implementing an all-day/everyday kindergarten program • Establishing volleyball and sailing programs • Introducing French language curriculum, a gifted program and several courses for college credit • Increasing the number of local scholarships • Improving the school's outdoor playground facility to include tennis, ice rink and lights • Purchasing two condos to house future school employees Poe said he takes credit for establishing and organizing the first-ever Great Lakes Islands basketball tournament along with hiring great staff. "To witness the sense of pride and enthusiasm this event brings each year gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I hope it continues for many years," he said about the tournament. "Additionally, I feel I batted a thousand with all my hires. A school is only as good as its staff and boy, are we fortunate to have outstanding teachers and staff." Poe's letter expressed his gratitude to board members, students, staff and families. "The thing that I have been most happy about during my tenure are the relationships I've developed with all my board members along with the trust and unwavering support they've provided me. "Last, but certainly not least, I want to acknowledge our students. When I tell people I have the best job in education in Ohio, the reason is the students," he said. "Our students are the most polite, fun-loving and giving group of students I have come across in my 37 years in education. "I have great memories with our students, including but not limited to trips to Mackinac and Beaver islands; coaching our girls basketball team to 10 straight victories; chaperoning a senior class trip to the Dominican Republic; pep rallies; field trips; proms; quiz bowl: and chaperoning a senior class trip to Hawaii. Put-in-Bay students rock." After all, he'll miss those connections in retirement. "What I will miss most about Put-in-Bay are long evening walks with my wife, Dawn, and an unbelievable staff and board of education. Our culture made coming to work easy." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood - Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.