Dr. Ken Schmiesing, the superintendent of the Mercer County school district, has announced his retirement after 9 years of dedicated service to the community. Schmiesing’s impactful decision to step down from his position has left a large majority of staff members, students, and parents reflecting on the impact he has made during his time in the position.

Having served as superintendent for just a little under a decade, Dr. Schmiesing has been an inspiration behind numerous initiatives in hopes of improving the quality of education in our district. 

Numerous people would describe Dr. Schmiesing as a leader with a passion for not only creating, but also maintaining a positive learning environment for each and every student. His commitment to excellence in schools and student well-being has helped him earn the respect and appreciation of both staff members and parents. He expressed recognition and gratefulness for the opportunity in order to provide for the purpose of the growth and development of numerous students throughout his time in the position. 

When, Mr. Knopp, a Celina High School counselor was asked about his relationship with Dr. Schmiesing, he explained that “I’ve obviously talked to him a handful of times and I’ve been in a couple meetings with him, but he’s not somebody that you interact with like day to day obviously. He’s over in his office handling stuff and then he’s bouncing around to the different schools and then with the building project going on.”

In addition to the relationship of the two, Knopp was also questioned in regards to Schmiesings time in the position and the things he’s done for the community, he commented “His heart’s in the right place and I think he’s done a good job, you know, since I’ve been around. Granted this is my first job, so it’s not like I have a lot of experience with superintendents to begin with.”

The news of Dr. Schmiesing’s retirement has inspired conversations about the future management of the school district. Parents and community members are excited to see how the future intern will fill the void left by the previous superintendent and whether the new management will continue to build on the foundation he has set throughout his time.

On the topic of the retirement, school board members confidently explained “that this strategic move will ensure continuity in the administration of our district and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to actively participate in the selection process for a permanent superintendent.”

During his time in the position, Dr. Schmiesing faced numerous challenges, from budget constraints to adjusting to the demands and different needs of all students of remote learning during the global pandemic. Nevertheless, he went through every obstacle with strength and a devoted commitment to the well-being and academic success of each and every student.

When a student, who prefers to remain anonymous, was questioned about Schmiesing time in office, they commented “Dr. Schmiesing was definitely a very friendly man, with a welcoming personality, he has done and allowed us students so many fun things and rewards.”

As the community says their goodbyes to Dr. Schmiesing, there is a noticeable and outstanding sense of recognition for his contributions and a known joint hope for a smooth transition to new leadership. The school board has already initiated the search for his substitute, with the goal of finding someone who can add on to the legacy of achievement and community involvement that Dr. Schmiesing will leave behind.

Parents, staff members, and students are all expressing their thanks for the positive and amazing impact Dr. Schmiesing has had on the district. Numerous members of the community are sharing stories of his friendlessness, hands-on leadership style, and authentic concern for the success of every student under his care.

When asked about her relationship with Dr. Schmiesing, a staff member at Celina High Schools, Mrs. Bertke commented “I definitely think he’s very positive. Um, and I think he is very goal oriented and I also think he cares about students and the staff.” She continued with a story about how he went out of his way to help her when her house flooded. 

On the occasion of a staff member, Mrs. Ball being questioned in regards to her relationship with him, she commented  “We didn’t get to interact very often, but it was always very positive and welcoming every time we crossed paths, for whatever reason, he is definitely a very friendly guy with good intentions.”

As the district prepares to move forward with this transition, it’s no doubt that the community is excited to stay involved and supportive of the efforts to provide the best possible education and well being for the students. Dr. Schmiesing’s retirement marks the end of an era, and in spite of that fact the collective commitment to educational excellence remains enduring.

In the meantime, the community plans and hopes to celebrate and appreciate Dr. Ken Schmiesing’s sacrifices through countless events and expressions of appreciation. As he retires from his role, his impact as an educator and impactful leader will without a doubt, continue to positively impact the lives of students and the direction of the district for years to come.