The Pine River-Backus School Board addressed major staff changes at the Monday, June 22, board meeting, including the school superintendent, transportation director and activities director positions.
Outgoing Superintendent Dave Endicott was away on vacation, though the board expressed its appreciation for his four years with the district.
"Dave gave us four good years and was instrumental in helping us finish up some projects and start some projects," said Board Chair Chris Cunningham. "We wish him well in his adventures."
Endicott will be succeeded by Jonathan Clark, former Riverside Elementary School principal in Brainerd, who listened to the meeting remotely. Clark's first day is Wednesday, July 1.
Present at the meeting was the new transportation director, Chris Norton, who stayed behind to meet the board after the meeting. Norton succeeds Tom Bristow, who retired from the district.
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"There are big shoes to fill, so I'm trying to fill them as best I can," Norton said.
Finally, the board approved posting for a full-time, at-will activities director and youth sports coordinator. Current AD Randy Schwegel retired after 40 years working for the district.
In other business Monday, the board approved the following hires: Charity Crannell for 12-month district office clerical; and Joseph Forte and Blair Boileau as special education teachers.
Travis Grimler may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis.
