My book is for sale on Amazon. How to Lead a School District Through a Pandemic and then Retire…Or How Not To

Thanks to WGEM for talking with me today about my book. I appreciate all that reached out to me last night and today. I count the book a success already, since I heard from a lot of friends, family, and great people. wgem.com/2025/11/21/for…

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I had another surprise today. My friend Mien Heymann reached out to congratulate me on my book. Mien and I served together in Afghanistan. He is a Dutch Marine from the Netherlands. I doubt my book will be on any bestseller list, but it now has been sold in two continents.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My wife thinks I am an idiot, but I believe there to be an unwritten rule, if you possess an outdoor hot tub, and it snows in excess of 12 inches, you must use said hot tub. If any friends want to join me, all friends are welcome. Trisha will not join us.

Thanks to the Quincy Fire Department for inviting me to read a Christmas Bedtime Book for the children of Quincy. It is always an honor to visit with our hero first responders. It was also great to spend time with fireman, drill sergeant, and famous Ninja Warrior, Steven Peters.

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Had a few snowstorms and tomorrow promises to be a cold morning for area superintendents! Waking at 0400 to make a decision on snow days was not my favorite part of the job. But…. Making this video with a group of talented Blue Devils is a great memory. facebook.com/share/v/1AEw9P…

Thank you to the Ursa 4H and all the local volunteers who organize and execute Wreaths Across America at the Quincy National Cemetery. It is a special event every year. Thanks to QPS and transportation Director, Scott Douglas for allowing me to drive the shuttle.

Congratulations to Julie Allen for receiving the USA Educator Warrior Award! Julie is a Kindergarten Teacher at Rooney Elementary in Quincy, Illinois. Her nominator wrote about her dedication, love of students, and the way she goes above and beyond for all her students.

Congratulations to Sheila Brunner on receiving the USA Educator Warrior Award. Mrs. Brunner is a retired teacher from the Chadwick-Milledgeville School District. A dedicated educator who did an outstanding job teaching content and caring for her students.

Congratulations to Sharla Heightman on winning the USA Educator Warrior Award. Sharla is an outstanding math teacher at Quincy High School. Mrs. Heightman is one of the top math teachers in the state of Illinois. She is mostly a caring educator who puts her students first.

Thank you to the Ursa 4H and all the local Veterans and volunteers who helped execute the Wreaths Across America at the Quincy National Cemetery. It was a little cold and snowy, but it is a beautiful outcome and a salute to heroes.

Thank you to Jeanette Wear Korschot for the kind words and nice review of my book on Amazon. I worked side by side with a lot of heroic educators like yourself during some chaotic times. I appreciate you and Merry Christmas!

Thank you to Enchanted Books in Quincy, Illinois. They have offered to host my first official book signing! I can think of no better place to do this than Maine Street in Quincy. On Saturday, January 31st, from 12:00-2:00, I will be in the bookstore signing books.

Congratulations to Mrs. Ila Bertrand on receiving the USA Educator Warrior Award! An amazing teacher for over four decades, she continues to spend much of her valuable retirement time in classrooms. Mrs. Bertrand is a master teacher. She loves children and enjoys everyday.

Congratulations to Katie Maggart and Whitney Edwards on winning the USA Educator Warrior Award of Excellence! These two dedicated and caring teachers love what they do and make a positive impact every day!

If my Veteran friends are looking for something to do at the end of the month. You are welcome to join me in Mt. Pleasant to honor service and sacrifice.

On the date of his promotion to General, Justin Wagner was awarded the Educator Warrior Award. He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. At this time he is the superintendent of the Woodbine School District. He is an extremely well respected educator.