BY JOHN REED LEADER EDITOR
HAMLET — Indiana Superintendent of Schools Dr. Suellen Reed paid a surprise visit to the Oregon-Davis Schools recently, touring both the Elementary and Junior-Senior buildings.

The visit, she said, was made to carry out her pledge to visit every school in Indiana. Reed, who has been state superintendent for 12 years, is not running for re-election and will go into the private sector early in 2009. Her final day is Jan. 12, after which she will begin work with Ross Sinclair & Associates, a firm which deals with school bond issues.
Elementary School Principal Jeremy Tucker led Reed on a tour of the building, especially pointing out the swimming pool he said the school is proud to have as part of its facilities.
High School Principal Greg Briles led her on a tour of their unique building, which consists of two circular units. He also showed her several computer labs and the robotics lab. “I love to brag about our technology,” Briles said.
In the high school, Reed was impressed with the classroom of social studies teacher Mike Marsh. The room is packed full of antiques, old military uniforms the students can try on, Early American items, and much more.
“I’ve never seen a place like this. This is cool. I love this,” Reed said, while examining the jawbone of an ox.
One of her greatest achievements, she said, is the full-day kindergarten program. “I’m hearing really good things about full day kindergarten, and I’m proud of the opportunities we’re seeing in science at the high school and middle school levels.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to kids and have had a lot of great conversations with kids,” she said.
Reed also met with students in several classes in both buildings.