Dennis: ‘I promise you we will care about your kid’

Newly hired Superintendent Coby Dennis has introduced himself to Boise patrons in a three-minute video message.

The main themes: a smooth transition in district offices, and a full range of opportunities for Boise’s 25,500 students.

Trustees hired Dennis Thursday, effective July 1, promoting the longtime teacher and administrator from the deputy superintendent’s post. Dennis will succeed Don Coberly, who is retiring.

In his video, Dennis talked about his 40 years in Boise schools — as an employee, a student and even one summer as a custodian. He also touted the district’s leadership team, particularly Lisa Roberts, the 26-year district veteran who was promoted to the deputy superintendent’s job Thursday.

“One of the things that I’m looking forward to is the continuity that we’re going to have with this team,” Dennis said.

In keeping with the theme of continuity, Dennis praised Coberly for his “mentorship,” and thanked trustees for offering him the head position. One day after Coberly announced his retirement, trustees invited Dennis to interview for the vacancy — effectively making him the sole candidate.

Dennis didn’t outline any big changes in academics, but stressed that the district needs to continue to offer students a variety of education options — from traditional academic disciplines to career-technical courses.

“I promise you we will care about your kid,” he said.

 

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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