Elgin Public Schools Logo

Dr. Gayla Fredrickson

Elgin Public Schools Faculty

October 28, 2008

Launch the media gallery 1 player

In light of the Elgin Public School board’s recent acceptance of Dr. Fredrickson’s resignation due to health reasons, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize her for her many contributions to the educational goals at EPS.  As American Education Week approaches, we remember her as an instrumental player in the betterment of the staff, facilities, and educational programs here at EPS.

As a leader Dr. Fredrickson is a visionary.  While in charge she had the expert ability to see the future needs of the Elgin Public district to allow it to remain a viable competitor.  She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the preschool which serves to prepare 3- and 4-year old children for their entrance into school.  Besides the preschool, she was responsible for securing grant funding for a number of causes, including the expansion of the Spanish program, modifying the existing buildings for handicap accessibility, and the purchase of numerous laptop computers which also served to benefit the St. Boniface and Pope John Schools as well. 

Dr. Fredrickson realized and instilled in us that “We can’t always do what we did before.”  She brought Elgin Public into the 21^st century regarding technology; our students are now better prepared with the technological skills they will need in their future education and the workforce.  Student generated portfolios are now created and presented each spring.  This change has put students in step with future expectations as they leave for college and potential job opportunities.   She consistently worked to employ programs that would serve the needs of tomorrow’s children, not those of yesterday. 

Dr. Fredrickson also worked to create a stronger staff at EPS.  She was responsible for encouraging professional development in all teachers, from elementary to high school.  She demanded that teachers become lifelong learners, which in turn bettered the teaching skills of the staff.   She kept abreast of current educational issues, rules, and regulations, and encouraged all the faculty to do the same.  She was adamant about getting involved with the legislature; if we wanted change, we were told to demand it as well.

There are many more credits to add to the list:  her national speaking engagements on the future of rural schools, the creation of Elgin Public’s new technology program, the development of the Northern Tier, and the design and construction of the new building on campus.  However a list is simply made of words and if Dr. Fredrickson taught us one thing it was that although words may be important they are still only words.  It’s what we do each day that truly makes the difference.  Thank you, Dr. Fredrickson, for your service to Elgin Public Schools.

The Elgin Public Schools Faculty