May 31, 2013 at 4:57 p.m.
Board members, school officials, bid farewell to retiring superintendent
Board members, school officials, bid farewell to retiring superintendent
Erdahl will retire effective June 30. He will be replaced by current Director of Curriculum Kelli Jacobi.
It was a bittersweet day, Erdahl said.
"I would say I have mixed emotions. I am excited to move on to the next phase and all of the things that come with that, but this is about the most exciting time in all of the years I've been in education in terms of reforming the way we deliver instruction, reforming the way we organize schools. That work is not done, so I'm going to miss all that and I hope to keep my hand in there in some way or another, in some other capacity," Erdahl said. "On the other hand, here's a new chapter in my life, so yes, I would say I have mixed emotions."
One thing Erdahl said he is sure of is that the district will be in good hands with Jacobi at the helm.
"We've solved some issues, but we've left a lot for Kelli to deal with too, which I think she will do a great job handling. We're very proud, as a team, of the things we've achieved, but we realize we've got work left to do. She's taking over, she's already in full stride, and she's acclimating herself nicely," Erdahl said
When asked to share some of his proudest moments as superintendent, Erdahl said it wasn't about what he accomplished but what the district accomplished.
"There are different things, but the most important thing is that we've worked on improving the learning conditions for kids and I think those are getting better. I think that's great, but that's a team effort. It's not just something that I have achieved, that is virtually everyone in the district working together," Erdahl said.
Jacobi thanked Erdahl not only for his service to the district but for helping her prepare to take the reins.
"He has been really wonderful about helping transition me into the new job because it can be daunting," she said. "He's spent a lot of time helping me. The things that he does, the contacts that he's made, he's been sharing those with me and helping me through all of the processes that I'm going to have to be following. I can't even describe how much help that is. It's huge. He's been wonderful and that's saying nothing about what he's done for us over the last 11 years. He's been a wonderful asset to our district and our kids."
Two school board members also spoke. Board President Ron Counter and Vice President Judy Conlin talked about the numerous contributions Erdahl has made to the district.
"11 years ago our school district had been in the midst of numerous challenges. In that year, we hired Roger as superintendent to help get beyond those challenges. He began his reign by working with the board to develop a committee system that is somewhat acclaimed within the state and has helped shape how we conduct business," Counter said. "Roger was instrumental in hiring the persons necessary in putting our financial house in order. He led us through downsizing from a district with seven elementary schools to our current makeup of three. He led the process of developing efficiencies that led to an increase in our bond rating. His leadership was also instrumental in passing our referendums."
"The goal of an administrator should always be to leave a school district in a better position so the successor can build on that previous work. Roger came to the district when stability was needed more than at any other time in our district's history," Conlin added. "Roger guided us through the most difficult financial times our district has probably ever faced. With steadily declining revenues from the state, he assisted the board in making very difficult decisions to close schools and make substantial cuts after several failed referendums. Most recently, trust between the board and administration, teachers, support staff, and the community is improving as evidenced by the successful passage of the last two referendums. He has positioned us well to move forward and build on the solid educational foundation he helped build. We wish him well in his retirement."
Both board members also pointed out a few facts not previously made public.
"What the community and staff do not know is that during these challenging financial times, Roger voluntarily did not take any pay increases for three years: 2005-'06, 2006-'07, and 2007-'08. Most recently, his salary for this year is the same as last year, minus the stipend he received in 2011-'12," Conlin said.
"Most people, prior to retirement, try to maximize their salaries since this affects their pensions. Roger voluntarily placed the financial well-being of the district ahead of his personal financial well-being. We, as a board, and the community owe him considerable gratitude for doing what he could personally to assist us financially during these difficult times."
Counter pointed out that it wasn't just his salary that Erdahl used to help the district, but his retirement plan as well.
Erdahl requested that his retirement plan, which was set up back when he was hired 11 years ago, be reworked so that it is in line with today's post-Act 10 standards, Counter said.
According to Business Director Marta Kwiatkowski, the total savings to the district is hard to calculate, but the reworking could save the district up to $2,000 per year.
Although he is moving on to the next chapter in his life, Erdahl said his heart will remain with the district.
"I'm proud to be a Hodag and I'll be a Hodag for the rest of my life," he said.
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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