“We should build an environment where every child learns and every child grows, to the best of our ability.”
This is the goal of Dr. Aaron Cornman, the incoming superintendent of Poplar Bluff Schools and this year’s speaker at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Speaking to a room full of community partners and business representatives, Cornman drew parallels between public education and commerce. Running a business and working in education both require seeking the “why” behind actions, he noted, and focusing on what an organization can provide to the community. Both also measure success in large part through the relationships built.
His personal philosophy of education is every student has within them the capability to learn at a high level.
“Instruction should be relevant, engaging and encouraging and ensuring college and career pathways, whatever those may be,” he said.
He also praised the leadership of Dr. Scott Dill.
“Both the outgoing board and Dr. Dill have been good stewards of the public tax dollar,” he said, and noted Poplar Bluff is now a destination for educators.
Cornman’s wife, Leigh Ann Cornman, is also entering a leadership role in Poplar Bluff’s education system after being selected as the new director of the Technical Career Center.
Leigh Ann Cornman begins her new role July 1 and is currently getting to know the staff and instructors at TCC, as well as its community partners. When the new semester starts, she looks forward to meeting students as well.
“Our ultimate goal is we want to get them all career and workplace ready,” she said. “And hopefully they will invest in the community as well.”
Cornman said he is also focusing on building connections within the district.
“My leadership style is a listen, learn, lead model, so I’m in listening mode right now. My next point is to learn as much as I can about our successes and our opportunities to grow and change,” he said.
Several attendees lingered after the event to speak to the Cornmans, including Joe Leahy, with Smith & Co. Engineers.
“He’s got a lot of good ideas and I’m excited to see his energy coming in,” Leahy said of his impressions.
Chamber President Steve Halter was also happy with the community’s reception of the Cornmans as well as the attendance of the lunch itself.
“I thought it was great. I’m very pleased with the turnout we had. I think he and his wife both will be a great fit,” he said.
Both of the Cornmans grew up in Gideon and expressed excitement at returning to Southeast Missouri. Cornman described the Poplar Bluff community as “warm and welcoming.” The last time he lived in Poplar Bluff was the 1990s, while attending Three Rivers College.
“I sure look forward to getting to work in the community once again,” he said.
Leigh Ann Cornman agreed.
“I’ve had lots of people reach out to me and my husband. It’s like coming home for us and that makes it very special,” she said.