Oskaloosa family,
I would like to introduce myself as the new Superintendent for USD341. I grew up in Effingham, KS, lived in the same house until I went to college, and have been in Northeast Kansas ever since. My undergraduate studies were at Washburn University with a degree in math with enough credits to teach computers. My wife and I raised our two kids in Lansing, KS where I took my first job 27 years ago. It was time in my career to return to a smaller community for what felt more like home. The warm welcome from the staff and community at Oskaloosa lets me know the move was a great decision.
This year the district will be embarking on a strategic planning process to help set goals for the long-term vitality of the district. We will need input from all our stakeholders in the community to help guide our plan. Please consider being a part of the process to drive the way forward for USD341.
Going along with the strategic plan, we will also be defining what I would call the “Oskie Way.” It was evident to me that our community is something special. There is a way that we treat people and a way of living life in our community. We will take this year through many conversations and opportunities to discuss those attributes and to document the “Oskie Way” so we can easily define it to pass along for generations.
Once again, thank you for the welcome to our community. My goal is to serve USD341 and the Oskaloosa community for years to come. I look forward to visiting businesses downtown and around the area.
It is a Great Day to be a Bear!
Dan Wessel
Superintendent
USD341