Walter Leipart, who was named superintendent in February by the Merrill Area Public School Board, began his new position on July 1, taking over as superintendent from Interim Superintendent Don Stevens.
Leipart previously served as superintendent for the School District of Phillips for five years. Before that, he was a principal in the Loyal School District and a teacher in the Colby School District.
During his first week in the district, Leipart met with board members, sent a message to all staff and met with various district employees and members of the community.
“Since my move to Merrill, I have had the opportunity to meet many community members and my family and I have been overwhelmed by the hospitality we have been shown,” Leipart said. “I look forward to meeting more parents and staff members in the first days of school.”
Leipart and his wife Robin have five children, ranging in age from 11 to 23. The couple’s youngest, Avalon, will attend sixth grade at Prairie River Middle School this fall.