Letter: Plagman changed lives for the better

Ralph Plagman is a gem. He has changed lives for the better, not alone but working together with other educators at Metro and Washington high schools.

Washington has the best record in Iowa in convincing students to take accelerated college level classes, but Plagman did not ignore those with less ability who he encouraged to use their unique skills and interests to succeed in an imperfect world.

I worked with Plagman as an adviser to the Cedar Rapids Youth Council when he first arrived in Cedar Rapids. I was on the Cedar Rapids School Board when we appointed him principal at Washington, replacing a man who was not a strong leader like Plagman became. When the board increased graduation requirements many teachers believed we had exceeded our authority. The superintendent appointed Plagman to chair a committee to implement the higher requirements and his leadership got this accomplished with teacher support. I attended Washington assemblies in which students with perfect attendance, citizenship or academic progress were honored.

Plagman has contributed greatly to our children and our community.

Ron Moore

Former member and president of the Cedar Rapids School Board

Cedar Rapids