An excitement in the air about the direction of schools in Aberdeen was just one of the reasons for a positive evaluation the Aberdeen School Board gave Superintendent Dr. Tom Opstad in executive session Tuesday night.
“In general the board is very pleased with Tom in all aspects, we think he’s doing a great job,” said Doug Smith, school board president.
The positive mid-year evaluation has opened the door for discussion about extension of the superintendent’s contract. “We will take it up at the next public meeting,” Smith said, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 6.
“I think he’s getting people excited about what the possibilities are in Aberdeen,” Smith said. “We are a low-income community, and it’s very easy to get the attitude of low-income. All you have to do is look around at the the things that are happening in the Aberdeen School District and you get excited.”
One of the highlights of Opstad’s performance is epitomized in the recent addition of iPads at Miller Junior High School. “The roll-out of the iPads is one example of the things that are going on that can benefit kids in the future,” Smith said.
The regularly scheduled school board meeting was preceded by a work session with staff from Miller. “We went around and teachers were telling us about kids who had not been engaged and are now really excited about learning. I think it’s great, and a lot of that goes back to Tom’s leadership and his vision for what this district can be,” Smith said.
Opstad said he is following one of the goals from the board that was developed when prior Superintendent Marty Kay held the post, which is exploring how technology can be used to improve teaching and learning. “It’s something that as I came in I followed along and tried to grow,” Opstad said. “I just think the board and the district is a tremendous place to work. I enjoy working with the staff and community here in Aberdeen.”
