Editor’s note: The Times Herald invited Dave Polashek, retiring superintendent of the Oconto Falls School District, to answer the following questions about his 45-year career.
Q: What spurred your interest in a career in education?
A: I was inspired by a couple of teachers I had in high school. I had a couple of male social studies teachers who were also coaches. It was expected that I would go to college, and I thought having a poli sci (political science) major sounded like it had a nice ring to it. I got my first job teaching social studies and coaching in Minnesota. Three years later I got a similar position in Iowa and while there, got my master’s in administration. Five years later, I applied for a principal position in Wauzeka. They also had a superintendent opening and offered me that job instead of the principal spot. Fifteen years later I came to Oconto Falls, where I have spent 22 years leading this outstanding school district.
Q: What are the two most significant changes (one positive and one negative) you’ve witnessed in education over the past 45 years?
A: Perhaps the greatest positive overall change is in the range of content taught and the much higher curriculum standards. When I started, teachers were much more independent in what they taught. They were like islands with little connection to what was happening in other grades or teachers teaching the same subject. Today, curriculum is much more organized, and the collaboration between and among teachers ensures that students have a much more well-rounded education experience.
Perhaps one of the most negative changes is that many education-related issues are determined by officials with little background in that area, while educational professionals are left on the sidelines. Education has become much more politicized over the last several years. Well-intentioned initiatives are started with the hope they will have lasting impact, but due to a change in the political winds, an initiative is cut short and another takes its place. We start a move in one direction and have to change course due to new directives coming out of Madison.
Q: When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of my work to help individuals start in the profession, grow professionally and achieve great things as they help students in the learning process. As an administrator, the one-to-one contact with students is not as frequent as it was when I was a teacher. Teachers are working in the trenches. My role is to help them be the best that they can be, yes, by providing resources, but more importantly by providing encouragement and guidance. This goes for teachers, custodians, bus drivers, fellow superintendents and the many other members of the team it takes to keep the educational enterprise moving forward.
Q: Who or what has been your source of inspiration and direction?
A: I consider myself to be an observer of people. I have learned from many people over the years. I have prided myself of being a good listener and know that some of the greatest sparks of inspiration can come from the least likely sources. Over the years I have had at least a hundred school board members, and I always valued their insight. I have seen some very creative administrators who taught me much. There have been great college professors. Sometimes the greatest learning in a college class came from other students in that class.
Q: Of the many facility changes that occurred during your tenure, which one stands out?
A: It’s hard to put a finger on that. In the 18 months prior to the time I was hired in Oconto Falls, there had been three unsuccessful building referendums. Building Oconto Falls Elementary to replace Jefferson was a remarkable accomplishment. However, the 2001 high school addition was not only an outstanding physical change, but more significant was the change in opportunities for students. Expanded facilities changed forever the experience Oconto Falls students will have in their high school.
Q: You have been an active member of several organizations, such the Lions Club, FFA Alumni, Chamber of Commerce and Falls Fun Fest Committee. What motivated you to stay involved in community service?
A: The job of the superintendent is public relations 24/7. Community service gave me a chance to connect with community members who did not have students in school. I felt like I was an ambassador for the school district, and I took that responsibility seriously. I also felt I could, in a small way, make this community a better place through those efforts.
Q: What are your plans for retirement?
A: I have not spent a lot of time planning for retirement. Wrapping up my work for the district was the priority. I plan to do some traveling but have connections to the area that will keep me spending time here. I have plans for marriage that will take me to Connecticut, but Wisconsin will always be home.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: That’s a great question. A guy who made a difference? A guy who built strong connections between the school and the community? A guy who rebuilt confidence in the community? A guy who put together a team that was a contender for the education Super Bowl? Perhaps a little of each.
