Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
TAKING A break Friday on the steps of Washington Elementary School is Bessemer area superintendent Dave Wineburner with a small group of his students. From left, in front, are Bryce Martin, Devin Carlson and J.D. Warwas; and, in back, Violet Skenandore and Savannah Ossanna. Savannah is in fifth grade; the rest are in sixth grade.
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer - For everyone else in the school system, it's nearing the end of another year, but this is not just any year for Dave Wineburner.
He will not finish his first full year as superintendent of the Bessemer area school district until mid-summer, and doesn't expect the year to end for him in the way that it does for teachers and students.
"It never ends for superintendents," said Wineburner, for whom the Bessemer board of education just voted to approve his first evaluation on Wednesday.
In a Friday interview with the Daily Globe, Wineburner said that before the first year even ends, he already is planning for his second. Assuring that staff openings are filled will be one of his priorities.
A May bond vote to fund needed school maintenance suggests ongoing work as well, along with other administrative duties.
According to the superintendent, the biggest challenge in his first year was "working with the school board in deciding what direction we want to go in as a district."
He said getting staff and community input has helped in looking ahead. "I think we've done a good job in starting to go down the path," he added in relation to future goals.
When asked the best part of his job, he said, "Absolutely, the kids. I love being able to provide for them and make sure they're safe and comfortable."
Wineburner said that, when he walks through the classrooms and sees students "enjoying themselves and what they're learning," it allows him to conclude, "Okay, we're doing things right."
