The outgoing message on Collinsville High School Principal Eric Flohr’s work voicemail begins, “greetings fellow believer.” It is a message that assumes the caller shares Flohr’s unrelenting belief in the potential of CHS students, faculty and staff. Spend a few minutes with the man recently named one of the 2013-2014 Peabody Energy Leaders in Education and you will become a believer.
Peabody Leader in Education, Eric Flohr, in center with white shirt
Flohr joined Collinsville Unit 10 in 2006 as the CHS principal. In his first year, he personally visited each of the nearly 500 incoming freshman to ensure they received a success packet and an official freshman class shirt before the first day of school, Assistant Principal Brad Hyre said in his nomination letter for Flohr.
“What started as a one-man crusade blossomed into an annual orientation celebration,” Hyre said. “In short fashion, faculty and staff joined Mr. Flohr in canvassing the Collinsville community to welcome the newest members of our student body.”
The effort led to a “Freshman Focus” program that helps incoming freshman with the transition from middle school to high school. He also helped implement school-wide reading and mathematics programs as well as develop a summer academic enrichment program. One measure of the effectiveness of the programs may be found in the success of the math and science teams that consistently qualify for state competitions.
Hyre called Flohr one of the best administrators, at any level, that he has worked with during his 28 years of education. Flohr, though, is quick to deflect credit.
“It’s not about me,” Flohr said. “A good leader is almost transparent, if everything is running well.”
Things at CHS are running well, in large part, because of Flohr’s influence, many a member of the student body, faculty and staff might say. He has been instrumental in implementing programs that helped expand the faculty’s voice in governance and unite the community to help students succeed, Hyre said.
“His power of positive enthusiasm, coupled with dedicated direction and open communication, has empowered all stakeholders to become active members of improving education,” Hyre said. “He has taken the school mission into the homes of our students and delivered the message that we all must work together for the success of our children.”
Unit 10 Superintendent Bob Green said he was proud of Flohr.
“I think it’s a recognition of his contributions to CHS, his positive nature and all the improvements he’s made during his tenure,” Green said.
Chosen by a committee of educators and business leaders, the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education program rewards dedicated education professionals who inspire and motivate youth to succeed. Flohr’s commitment to the students is on display every day, Hyre said.
“Students, parents and colleagues appreciate his commitment to maintaining a caring climate, dedicated to putting students at the center of school mission,” Hyre said.
