Interim Administrators Made Big Impact in Little Time

At a time when the Greenfield School District appeared to be a ship without a rudder, David Ewald and Ronald Nortier kept things going on the right course.

Heck, they may have even sent the district toward a whole new, exciting destination.

Ewald, the interim superintendent, and Nortier, the interim business director were honored Monday by the Greenfield School Board at the pair’s last meeting before Lisa Elliott and Amy Kohl permanently assume those roles July 1.

The were recognized for being more than just placeholders.

“The rule for people in an interim position is to do no harm,” Ewald said. “As I exit, I’m excited about the opportunity …  and I think we went way beyond ‘do no harm.’ I think we’re leaving it in a better place, and not just because of us.

“The stars were aligned and good things happened.”

During their brief tenures, which began in March, the district moved forward with a multi-million dollar technology plan, reorganized the central office staff and did plenty of work on the 2013-14 budget.

“Once you got on board, everything that happened was real positive,” School Board member Cathy Walsh said. “We made some positive changes and are moving in a positive direction. I’m really, really happy. It’s been exciting.”

Board president Bruce Bailey said he appreciated the interim administrators being forthcoming with information when it was requested, and board member Rick Moze said the district “hit a grand slam with the two of you.”

Nortier said he’s been impressed with the decisiveness of the School Board.