Olentangy superintendent tells staffers he has ALS
By CANDACE PRESTON-COY
ThisWeek Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 29, 2007


Olentangy superintendent of schools Scott Davis told district leaders and staff members last week he has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease attacks motor nerve cells, eventually leading to paralysis and death.
In an e-mail to the staff on May 24, Davis wrote he began experiencing weakness in his arms last fall and recently noticed other symptoms that led to the diagnosis after extensive testing. While physicians "can label my condition," Davis told his staff, he is turning to his faith to see him and his family through this.

"My faith has only been solidified by these events and I believe the power of prayer can conquer all," he wrote in his e-mail to staff.

"There have been many ask if my family and I need anything and the answer is yes. We need and appreciate your prayers. Beyond these powerful prayers, I want you to do what you always do, which is ensure our students receive an outstanding educational environment. Olentangy is a special place with very special people and I am blessed to be here," he concluded. At this time Davis, 35, is not ready to publicly discuss his illness, said district spokesperson Carole Dorn-Bell.

He became Olentangy's superintendent in May 2006, coming from Morgan Local Schools in McConnelsville. He is married and has two daughters. While shocked and saddened by Davis' announcement, school board leaders say it's "business as usual" for the district, because that's what Davis wants.

"We're continuing to go on with business as usual," said board vice president Brad Reynolds. "What Dr. Davis has to deal with is between him and his family. ... In my opinion, it's time to establish what are the priorities in your life, and personal health and family have to come first."

"We are here to completely and totally support Scott," said board president Teri Meider. "His health needs to come first. ... The district is in place, people are in place and the district will continue to move forward." Both Meider and Reynolds said it will be Davis who will determine his schedule and when it may be time to step aside.

"He will let us know when or if he needs to leave," Reynolds said. For now, Dorn-Bell said, his schedule remains full.

On Tuesday morning, Davis and district treasurer Becky Jenkins were at the state capital talking with legislators about school funding and he had meetings planned for the afternoon.

"When something like this happens, it clarifies those things that are really important in life," Reynolds said. "Let there be no mistake, though, Scott will continue to do his job, just as we will without skipping a beat, keeping Olentangy where we need to be.

"We do have a district to run and Scott feels the same way," Reynolds said.

"Dr. Davis has brought such passion and enthusiasm to the district and he has so many great ideas, many of which are just beginning," said Olentangy High School principal Mindy Farry. "I know that is going to continue.

"Our role as administrators and staff is to let him know how valued he is. We're willing to take as much off his plate as we can, although he doesn't let you do much of that," she said.

cpreston@thisweeknews.com

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