By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
If you didnt catch the Consent Agenda at the most recent Flandreau Public School Board meeting, you might have missed a major announcement: the resignation of longtime educator and Superintendent Rick Weber.
The decision, included as part of a routine agenda item, wasnt given much fanfare exactly how Weber wanted it.
For those who stayed through the meeting, the topic became clearer when a representative from Dakota Education Consulting spent nearly 30 minutes discussing the upcoming search for a new superintendent and what that process might entail.
Weber, 60, said the timing felt right for his departure, citing the districts early retirement bonus as a significant factor.
If I dont leave now, Ill lose that, so now is the right time. Im 60 and Ive been at Flandreau for 35 yearsits a good time.
Weber began his career in Flandreau as a sixth-grade teacher 35 years ago. After one year, he transitioned to teaching middle school math and computer science. In 1997, he took on a dual role, teaching high school math and serving as the districts activities director. In 2004, he was promoted to superintendent, taking over for Dr. Mark Froke, while continuing his activities director duties, a role hes held since.
The best thing about being at Flandreau, I would just say, is all of the people, whether that be the other administrators, school board members, staff, and especially the kidsthey make going to school, going to work every day fun.
He added, emotionally, This wasnt a career, it was a life.
While stepping down as superintendent, Weber isnt planning a full retirement just yet. He said he hopes to work another five to seven years, though hes uncertain whats next.
Weber will serve in his current role until the end of the 2024-25 school year, officially stepping down on June 30.
Tom Oster with Dakota Education Consulting explained what his firm could do for the district in the new superintendent search.
After hearing his pitch, the board approved his firm to begin the process at a cost of $7995 plus mileage, printing and postage fees.
Around November 25, the job will be posted with a deadline of January 30 for applications. Along with anyone who wishes to apply for the position, DEC also finds appropriate people to apply.
His firm reviews all applications and trims the number down to how many the board would like to interview and then interviews begin in mid- February.
Oster suggested the board forms a couple of committees using community members and district staff to help in the interviewing process. During the interview process, these committee members will be involved in the process and allowed to ask applicants questions, but the hiring decision is solely done by the board members.
In a district of your size, its tougher than it used to be, Oster, advised regarding the search for the best-qualified candidate to fill the role.
In other board items
The district will pay the entire $2000 cost for School Resource Officer Gabe Frias to attend the National School Resource Officer conference next July.
Weber reported that the official Average Daily Membership count for the year is 730.14 students which is about 22 more students than September of 2023.
Courtney Decker and Megan Severtson are attending a Renaissance Conference in Scottsdale, AZ this week. Renaissance provides data, insights, and guidance all in one place so educators can maximize growth for each and every student.
Other than Webers, resignations were accepted from Dale Harden as the Industrial Arts/Ag instructor (end of first semester) and Kelly Johanson as junior high girls basketball coach.
New hires include Lori Lewis as a para, Thomas Hill as e-Sports advisor, and junior high basketball coaches, Lori Williams for girls and Scott Wagner and Mason Gaumer for the boys teams.
December 9th regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the High School Lunchroom due to a wrestling activity in the Elementary Gym.
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