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The Duneland Education Foundation will hold the 7th Annual DEF Gala at the
Spa Special Events Center on Friday, April 20, 2018,
from 7 to 11 p.m. The gala will feature
performances by the CHS Band as well as Carla Prather (of Poi Dog Pondering)
and Hunter’s Brewery will again be onsite.
In addition to hors d’oeuvres and the auction to benefit the foundation, the
gala will feature the drawing of the annual DEF Gift of Education $10,000
Scholarship Raffle. The gala will also include the presentation of the 2018
Honored Educator Award, which will go to the family of Dr. Dirk Baer,
1955-2017.
Dirk’s life work was public education. He began his career in 1977 as a
government, economics, and Spanish teacher in the Oregon Davis School
Corporation. While there, he coached junior high basketball and varsity
golf. In 1980, Dirk became assistant principal at Oregon Davis Jr.-Sr. High
school, often splitting his time between teaching and administrating. Dirk
went on to serve as principal of Oregon Davis High from 1981-1987.
1987 brought Dirk and his wife Kim to the Duneland School Corporation, where
he served as the Principal of Chesterton High School from 1987 to 1993.
While serving as principal, Dirk received numerous awards and recognitions,
including recognition by his colleagues as Staff Member of the Year in 1988,
by the Duneland Association of Educational Secretaries Administrator of the
Year in 1991, a Quill and Scroll award in 1993, and the IASP District 1
Principal of the Year in 1993. Dirk took great pride in the accomplishments
of all students. As recognition for outstanding academic excellence, Dirk
established the 5% club -- an honor meant for both scholar and educator. In
1991, Dirk found a need for a new high school. He saw his dream come to life
in August of 2000 as the new CHS complex became operational. He loved every
minute he spent with the students and staff at CHS.
In 1992, Baer became the Superintendent of Finance for the Duneland School
Corporation. As Dirk continued to serve Duneland in this position, he was
again awarded many honors for his service. He also found time to be active
in community endeavors. He served in the Chesterton/Porter Rotary as well as
on the Chesterton Police Commission.
Beginning in 2002, Dirk served the Duneland School Corporation as
Superintendent of Schools. He led the corporation through difficult
financial crises all the while trying to maintain programs and the level of
excellence for which Duneland is known. Dirk was committed to the real
Duneland Difference -- the students, families, and staff. He was dedicated
to his profession, but more importantly the people he served.
Baer retired from Duneland Schools in 2013 after 26 years of dedication and
service.
For additional information, either about the gala or the raffle, please
contact the Duneland Education Foundation via email at director@dunelandeducation.org
or phone 983-3715.
Posted 4/9 updated 4/11/2018
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