“It is a great privilege to introduce myself as the interim superintendent of the Merrill Area Public Schools for the 2012-13 school year.
“While I may be a new face and name to many of you, my consulting work with MAPS over the years has given me a strong appreciation for the district, its students, and its community members. It is truly an honor to work with you.
“In the past, I have been a teacher, principal, and superintendent in a variety of Wisconsin school districts, in addition to serving as the executive director of CESA 5, an educational service agency. More recently, I worked as an assistant state superintendent in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Finally, as a consultant, I aided school districts in their searches for superintendents. It is through this position that I came to work with MAPS.
“As interim superintendent, my most important job is to ensure that the good work and well-being of the district is maintained. These are very challenging times for school district, and despite my interim status, I know that I will be asked to make some difficult decisions on behalf of the school district in the months to come.
“Over the next year, you can expect transparency on my part. I will work to ensure that community members understand our continuous improvement efforts, as well as the budget process. In addition, like the Board, I will continue to make the most out of every single dollar that is invested in our schools. I also plan to continue involving the community in the challenges and opportunities of the Merrill Area Public Schools.
“As we begin the 2012-13 school year, I would like to thank staff, board members, and students for the opportunity to work with you as your superintendent, and to be your partner in our continuing efforts to offer a great education to MAPS students.
“Thank you also for welcoming my wife and me to Merrill. Over the last several weeks, we have met many of you, and we look forward to meeting many more of you over the next several months.”
Sincerely,
Don Stevens, Interim Superintendent