"No Day Is Ever The Same:" School Administrator Steps Down After Four Decades

Since becoming assistant principal of Field Middle School in 1980, Dan Razes has worked for seven different principals—but says he was never drawn to that position himself.

“I like the operational end of things,” he says. “And part of what I like is that no two days are ever the same. I have to wear a lot of hats and I am constantly juggling all of these different balls—discipline, student schedules, lunchroom, sports programs and bus schedules —to make sure that things run smoothly.” 

After 41 years at Field Middle School, the assistant principal is hanging up his many hats this July and moving on.

Razes began his career at Field as a science teacher in 1970, straight out of college. He taught all three grade levels for a decade while going back to school himself to earn a masters degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University and a masters in school administration from Loyola University.

During his time at Field, Razes has seen the school gain national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School and become a service learning model school, where students studying to become teachers at National Louis College come to observe. 

Over his long tenure at Field, Razes notes several changes. The advances in technology, for one, have enabled administrators to become much more effective.

“Technology has made it so much easier to collect data on our students and so be able to help them with their progress,” Razes says. “Google docs have been a huge help to our educational system.”

When it comes to students, Razes says the school has seen an increase in Korean families. 

“I learned a few words of Korean, simple things like ‘stop’ or ‘go now’ and ‘hello.’ I think the parents really appreciated that.”

And what might surprise some people is the fact that Razes believes kids have become more respectful in the last few years.

“I think parents are doing a better job these days,” he says. “Back in the ’70s and ’80s, I can remember some very challenging times.” 

Of course there are always some children needing a little more guidance than others.

“Ninety-five percent of the kids are hardworking most of the time, but there is always five percent that really need some guidance and help along the way,” he explains. For Razes, that guidance is part of the fun of his job. He enjoyed being able to help the students through emotional and relationship challenges as well as academic issues, and has headed the school’s jogging club and its Say No to Drugs Club in his efforts to be there for them.

“On behalf of the students of District 31 I want to thank Dan Razes for his 41 years of service,” said Supt. Alexandra Nicholson. “He will be missed by not only the students, but parents and staff.” 

Interacting with parents was just as big a part of his job as interacting with students—and Razes made a point to be there for them as well.

“I had a lot of interaction with parents over big things and little things,” he comments. “I made sure that I got back to every call or email every day.”

Asked what he has planned for his retirement, Razes laughs and admits that the first thing he will do is turn off his alarm clock.

“I think then I’ll just allow this year to bubble up and see what happens,” he says. “I’ll probably do some subbing at Field and I plan to be part of the annual Springfield trip. I love tools and fixing things, but I don’t really have any definite plans yet.”

Field School Principal Erin Murphy will be without a replacement assistant principal next year due to financial hardships within the district. On a personal level as well a school-wide level, she says Razes will be sorely missed.

“Dan has been a wonderful mentor to me as I entered into the administration,” Murphy says. “He gave me so much support and guidance. I am in awe of his commitment to the students and if I can be half as committed as he was, I know I’ll be doing a good job.”