Late last week we learned that the Manitowoc Public School District’s Board of Education selected Jim Feil to be the Interim Superintendent.
Feil, who has an extensive career in education, spoke with us in an exclusive interview, where he drew comparisons to his previous jobs.
Feil has been serving as the Superintendent in Traverse City Michigan, which he said is also a comprehensive school district located on Lake Michigan.
“Manitowoc is about half the size, but Traverse City was about 10,000 students, and I just loved every minute of it,” he explained. “Thinking about being back in a comprehensive school district just was too much to pass.”
Jim also spoke about how he believes that a successful school system can affect the community in which it is located.
“I really believe that schools are the center of most communities,” he said. “When you have that size, you are capable of doing all sorts of things to engage the community.”
Feil was in Manitowoc this week to finalize his contract with the MPSD, and took the opportunity to enjoy one of the most unique graduation ceremonies around at Lincoln High.
“It was extremely exciting,” he said. “And boy, what tradition that has been passed on, and that they are maintaining that, it’s just excellent.”
We also asked Jim when he plans on officially moving to Manitowoc, to which he said “As soon as I can.”
We will hear more from Feil this coming week, as we asked him about school security, his impression of the rather inexperienced school board, and student mental health.
