BY ADAM TESTA, The Southern

 

Sunday, July 13, 2008 10:39 PM CDT

 

MURPHYSBORO - Superintendent Chris Grode remains modest about his accomplishments during his first year on the job, but those around him recognize the commitment he's made to the school district and the city.

Since taking the helm as the leader of Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 last July, Grode has turned many visions into realities and left many people impressed.

"We have been very fortunate over the years to have some wonderful administrators," said Mike Austin, president of the district school board. "Chris fits right into the mold. He's been phenomenal for this district."

When he arrived in Murphysboro last year, Grode immediately recognized the sense of community pride in the town and had a vision of opening a school store, which would be managed and run by students, as well as selling Murphysboro Red Devil and Blue Devil merchandise.

With a lease signed on space in the Splattered Ink Professional Building on Walnut Street, the store will officially open during the Apple Festival this September.

Grode has also played an instrumental role in organizing a district foundation and revitalizing a district Hall of Fame, which Austin said has been "long overdue."

"We have really fallen behind in getting recognition to some of the individuals who come through our district," Austin said. "If we don't start to recognize some of those people soon, it may be too late."

Grode's accomplishments and involvement, however, were not confined to the school district.

He has also become involved in other aspects of the city, such as working with the Murphysboro Economic Development Organization and the Chamber of Commerce.

"When he came to Murphysboro, he said that he was making a commitment to Murphysboro," said Mayor Ron Williams. "He wanted to be active in the community, both as a representative of the school district and as a member of the community. He's certainly done that."

While others praise the initiative he's taken, Grode doesn't take credit for it.

"I don't think there's anything I've really brought to the district," he said, adding that his involvement in the city is what he sees as the norm for a school superintendent.

But he doesn't hesitate to express the satisfaction he has found living in Southern Illinois. Both he and his wife are from the Chicago suburbs, and they wanted to raise their sons away from the city. Murphysboro has become a great place to do that, he said.

"This isn't a job I'm going to walk away from. My wife and I would have no problem staying here until 2031," he said, referencing the year he will be eligible for retirement.

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