Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By MEGAN HUGHES
Bessemer — The Bessemer Area School Board welcomed Richard Matrella and Nick Heikkila as the district’s new superintendent and dean of students, respectively, at a special meeting on June 14.
They replace retiring superintendent and 7-12 principal Dan Niemi.
Matrella has been teaching social studies and coaching in Bessemer, while Heikkila has been a physical education and health teacher, and a coach.
Board member Beth Steiger said the board is hopeful to have their contracts signed by its June 26 regular meeting, so they can officially begin duties on July 1.
Steiger said they interviewed two candidates for superintendent.
“The board unanimously selected Richard Matrella to step into the position,” said Steiger, adding that Heikkala was the unanimous recommendation for this position of dean of students.
Also at the special meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Spanish and social studies teacher Eli Zielinski effective June 14.
The board also approved the postings for the above three teacher positions for the 2023-2024 school year: a full time social studies instructor for grades 6-12, a full time physical education and health instructor for grades K-12, and a full-time foreign language and social studies instructor for grades 6-12.