Goble leaves the helm at Benton Grade School District 47

For the past six years, Jay Goble has led the Benton Grade School District 47, bringing it safely through the state's financial crisis while upgrading both curriculum and facilities.
In just over 30 days, Goble will leave the district and school he's called home to take the reigns at the North Mac School District.
"I'm a change agent," Goble said in an interview on Monday. "I like to evaluate and organization and find areas to improve."
District 47 has made a number of improvements under Goble's leadership. "There's the obvious improvement in facilities," he said. The district has added 10 new classrooms as well as what Goble refers to as "the crown jewel," the new Doug Collins and John Malkovich Event Center.
Another on the list of obvious improvements is the upgraded track facility. "That was a true community project," Goble said. "We had people from various walks of life come together and lend their talents and time and to get it built."
One of the best things to happen during Goble's tenure is not something one can actually touch, though, and Goble is quick to give credit to his staff for the accomplishment.
"Before I came, there was no articulation in the curriculum," he said.
Articulation refers to the logical progression of learning objectives from grade level to grade level and course to course, within the curricular content areas, to create a seamless learning experience for the students.
"My staff has worked very hard to achieve this," he said.
Goble said while he has enjoyed his tenure in Benton, he is glad to get back to a larger K-12 district.
Board member John Metzger had "only good things to say" about Goble. "We've had him for six years," he said. "He's stepping up in his profession to a bigger district. We wish him well."
Goble said the Board of Education is currently seeking candidates and hopes to hire a replacement by the end of June.
His last day on the job in Benton is June 30. He will begin his new duties at North Mac July 1.