by Jennifer Johnson • Daily News
Published/Last Modified on Monday, May 4, 2009 10:25 AM CDT
Campbell-Tintah School will reluctantly say goodbye to their superintendent this summer. After his three-year stay in the small Minnesota community, Superintendent Lee Kulland is moving to Cassville, Wisc., to be closer to family. He said he's thoroughly enjoyed his time working with the faculty and staff. It's a great place to be," he said. "It isn't a question of whether I like the job or not, it's a question of geography."
Glancing back at his experience, he believes his help passing the referendum and creating a new football cooperative - combining students from Fairmount, Rosholt, S.D., and Campbell-Tintah - were some of his brightest moments at the school. Kulland also helped merge the school's Early Childhood Family Education and Headstart programs, which resulted in a successful kind of team teaching. It's been a really good collaboration," said Kulland. "I think that we've done some great additions."
Campbell-Tintah’s use of technology has also boosted in the past few years. Students interested in taking Spanish as a foreign language now have access to a teacher via ITV, rather than watching instructors come and go due to a tough commute. Their new teacher instructs them from a classroom in east central Minnesota. Richard Osman, computer teacher, said staff doesn't want him to leave. It's a hard deal," he said. "He's been a real pleasure to work with and he's definitely for the kids. Wisconsin is going to get one tremendous administrator."
Twice as many new students await him in Cassville compared to Campbell-Tintah, and Kulland intends on keeping an open mind. But he wants to carrying over his weekly radio program, which is one way he's been able to keep the community updated.
Reed Johnson, history teacher, said this kind of dedication has gotten the word out on Campbell-Tintah in a way no one had before. "I think historically we've been kind of a hidden secret, and he's been trying to expose the secret a little bit," he said.
Kulland is also famous for his open door policy, often welcoming in parents and students whenever they want to chat. "I hope the next superintendent will keep the coffee pot on," joked Kathy Qualley, teacher's aide. "(But) that's how down-to-earth he is. We'll miss that." Johnson also appreciates Kulland's willingness to listen, which may have been one of his strongest suites. "If somebody had an idea...at least he'd listen to find out what was going on," he said. "And if he could come up with a solution, he would do it."
While Kulland may not be able to see the end result of his work, he says he looks forward to seeing it put into motion. "I'm hoping that when I leave, things are better than before I got here," he said. "I think that's what you want to do wherever you go." And after experiencing some of the Red River Valley's toughest weather - blizzards and flooding - he has no regrets living here. "The people certainly do grow on you," he said. "I've always been well-accepted here and I really appreciate how the people have supported this school and this area."
