DoDDS District Superintendent visits Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Burton
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Doctor Archie Bates, Department of  Defense Dependents Schools Mediterranean District superintendent, a position placing him in charge of the education of 6,000 military dependents, visited Incirlik Jan. 14-15. 

Within his district, Dr. Bates is responsible for the U.S. military students located in the Azores, Italy, Spain and Turkey. 

"It's my responsibility to ensure our students receive a world-class education," said Dr. Bates. "That entails making sure the schools are properly managed, budgeted, and resourced with quality educators and adequate instructional materials." 

Raynard Eddings, Incirlik Unit School principal, said that having the superintendent visit the school is encouraging to both parents and staff. 

"We appreciate the support that Doctor Bates and his office consistently provide the school," he added. 

During his visit, Dr. Bates toured the Incirlik Unit School and visited with IUS faculty members, union officials, and wing leadership. Evidently, Dr. Bates was impressed with what he saw during his tour. 

"I have seen some quality instruction and learning taking place," he said. "It appears that the small size of the school makes it a more personal, meaningful setting for the children." 

He added that the school leadership seems to be quite responsive to the teachers and parents. 

Because of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, rightsizing and finding ways to save money is not a new concept to DoDDS. One of the many subjects Dr. Bates discussed with the IUS faculty was the future possibility of DoDDS having to find more ways to save money. 

DoDDS changes as the military changes, however, "our commitment to quality education remains undaunted." said Mr. Eddings. 

There is a mandate set by DoDDS to ensure it meets the educational and quality standards that are implemented by the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity. 

There is also an accreditation association that reviews the performance of DoDDS schools every five years. 

"Based on their findings it appears that in spite of any kind of reduced staffing, or less funding, DoDDS is making admirable progress and our students are performing as well as if not better than the average student in the United States," said Dr. Bates. 

Mr. Eddings added that it is important to focus on being a quality organization by working smarter not harder and making sure we expend resources in the right areas. 

"In my experience with DoDDS, we have not lost a beat," Mr. Eddings said. 

Dr. Bates said despite any changes that might happen, he is optimistic about the future. 

"I am looking forward to my next visit here and I am positive that the quality education I have seen will continue," he said.