The Daily News

Wahpeton School Board members braved the cold Tuesday to continue their search for a worthy replacement for superintendent Mike Connell, who retires June 30, with the expiration of his contract. The board interviewed the second of five candidates vying for the position — Rick Jacobson, superintendent at Wyndmere Public School.

Jacobson answered the same set of 20-plus questions, starting with, "Why are you interested in the superintendent position in Wahpeton?"

“I’ve had a good board for 14 years, a good school... But you get into a comfort zone,” he responded, reflecting on his current experiences. “I didn’t want to do it unless the school was just as good. The students (here) have a good reputation, the teachers are quality. I’ve got one more move in my life. It’s an opportune time.”

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He has been at Wyndmere since 1996. He has also been principal and business manager of Edmore, N.D., Public School and taught at Beach, N.D., Public School. He received his bachelor's degree in physical education and business education, and earned his master's degree in educational administration.

Jacobson further attested that he knows the area, having grown up in Devils Lake and lived in other small North Dakota towns, though not Wahpeton specifically, and sees personal and professional opportunity here.

The first round of questions focused on Jacobson’s experience as an administrator.

In regard to weighing the hard decisions he would invariably have to make, he responded, “You have to look at how it’ll affect the students, the impact it’ll have on students’ learning.”

He illustrated himself as a realist when it comes to budgeting, noting how there is almost always some unknown to deal with, and it’s better to be prepared financially in advance. Speaking on the issue of electives, always the first to suffer in the face of diminishing funds and tight budgets, he said he understands the passions of music and speech students, and the like.

“They’re programs are just as important,” he said. “Those students are just as important as athletes... A well-rounded curriculum is essential. You’ve got to have it all.”

Speaking on his qualities, Jacobson noted he is “a good listener” and prefers a “team setting.”

“I want all the information I can have. I don’t want to go into something half-cocked just because something needs to be done,” said Jacobson.

While he has no plans to make grandiose changes to the current system, he stresses the importance of keeping aware of the concerns of key people, such as committee and faculty heads, in staying ahead of potential problems.

More than anything, Jacobson presented himself as a business manager first, a unique role he has had to undertake during his tenure as superintendent.

“I’m not the white collar type, I’m blue collar. I’ll get my hands dirty if it gets the job done,” he said. “I’m not a micro-manager, but I am hands-on.”

He detailed his personal involvement with Wyndmere’s finances, taking a firsthand interest in his schools’ ledgers.

“Being a business manager I can answer questions right there (on the spot). I don’t have to call back in 30 minutes. I can tell you how much cash we have on hand in a minute.”

One feather in his cap is the establishment of a permanent building fund in his school district, with the watchful oversight of public meetings, that allowed the school to enjoy regular maintenance and engage in restorative projects.

“I want the school to look like my house, but only if there’s stable revenue,” he said.

In terms of stability, Jacobson stressed the need for longevity in the role, describing it as essential for developing trust with the community and teachers, for good communication, and generally getting things done.

“This is my last stop. I could retire in two years, but I’m not, no matter how long I’m alive, because I like what I’m doing,” he said.

The school board will continue to interview candidates each night this week at 7 p.m. in the district office, and reach its final decision Monday evening.

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