Bower ending RO run
After four years with the Red Oak School District, Barry Bower moving to a new chapter.
Bower, who currently serves as the high school’s assistant principal, athletic director, and head football coach, announced his resignation last Monday. It is effective at the end of the school year, following the end of his contract.
Bower said he decided to resign to have more time with his family.
“When you have as many tasks as I have, it causes time away from the family. I think the number one thing you have to think about is your family. I think sometimes we have to sit back and reflect the impact it has on your family. The time away with all the activities, home events, and with a kid in high school and another coming through the ranks, it put things in perspective a little bit. I want to make sure I’m being a better dad and husband, and I’ve been putting a lot of strain on myself sometimes. You get worn down a little bit,” Bower said.
As for his plans for the future, Bower said there’s nothing currently set in stone.
“Right now, my wife and I are big believers in the Lord, and he’s going to definitely guide me into a new path and lead me. We prayed quite a bit on it, and we’ll continue to pray. If that path is for me to remain in Red Oak, so be it. If the path leads me to greener pastures somewhere, then that’s what we’ll do. Right now, I want to make sure I finish some things out and see what comes across my plate,” Bower said.
The kids, the staff, and the coaches, Bower said, are what he’ll miss most now that he’s leaving the district.
“They’ve all been wonderful. The kids are great, I love them to death, It makes coming to work a highlight. Our kids understand the expectation, and the outpouring from them has been absolutely wonderful. I’ll also miss the impact that I’ve had on the kids, the support, and the camaraderie,” commented Bower.
One of the biggest highlights of his tenure was the chance to work with his son on the football field.
“My son is a sophomore. Him being on the team and being able to coach him for the first time, that was wonderful, and I will miss that the most,” said Bower.
Bower had great praise for the Red Oak School District, and appreciated the opportunity to be a part of it.
“This place has been awesome to me. I appreciate the community, and the outpouring of support I’ve gotten. It’s been humbling to me, and I definitely appreciate that,” Bower said.
Board action on Bower’s resignation is scheduled for the next Red Oak School Board meeting Feb. 13. Superintendent Tom Messinger said Bower will be missed at the district.
“Mr. Bower is an outstanding individual and will greatly be missed. He has served the Red Oak Community School District for four years and has maintained his status as a great role model for our students and athletes. His positive approach and dedication to young people have truly made an impact on the youth of Red Oak,” Messinger said.
Messinger said that on behalf of the Red Oak District, he wanted to thank Bower for his service and wish him the best.