Wisdom tackles role of superintendent

Sarah Wisdom, right, speaks Thursday during her first board of education meeting as New Bloomfield's superintendent.
Sarah Wisdom, right, speaks Thursday during her first board of education meeting as New Bloomfield's superintendent.

Thirteen years as a student in the New Bloomfield district and another 13 as an administrator and teacher have prepared Sarah Wisdom to become the district's superintendent.

She replaces the recently retired David Tramel, who was the New Bloomfield R-3 superintendent for the past six years. Wisdom took over on July 1, and gives high praise to Tramel.

"He was really good at his job; he cared about every staff, every child and every parent. He was very much a people person and had a big heart," she said. "And also finances, he brought us back to a place where we were financially stable and many people still thank him for his service in the district.

"It's up to me to keep that going and for us to keep growing."

Following in Tramel's footsteps could be a daunting task for many people. Wisdom was able to separate herself from other candidates with her strong community ties and familiarity with the area.

"I just knew a lot about the district, I knew where we came from, what Mr. Tramel brought to the district and overall our vision for the future," she said. "I think my time as the communications director, and the special-ed director, as well my community relations were just some of the biggest things that they saw in me."

Wisdom hit the ground running this month. Most of her time has been spent overseeing a variety of meetings and other duties.

Her strenuous schedule has not stopped her from crafting an agenda for the district, which will focus on creating a more harmonious environment at New Bloomfield schools.

"I think about bringing the two buildings together; we have two great principals (Julie Gerloff and Jeremy Davidson) who have been here for awhile," Wisdom said.

Highlighting the district's strengths are essential to Wisdom, but she knows success during her tenure will be measured by the impact she has on children.

The challenge of positively impacting her community is one Wisdom embraces, and her time on both sides of the desk provide her with a perspective she believes is beneficial to New Bloomfield.

"I think when you have anyone that knows all the kids, all the parents, it opens up a line of communication and establishes a sense of trust," Wisdom said. "You have to make tough decisions sometime in this position and I believe them trusting me and knowing my leadership style will establish a sense of confidence throughout the community."

Setting the agenda

Wisdom's first school board meeting was Thursday evening. During the meeting:

Wisdom and the board agreed to get a monument sign for the high school. While more decisions will have to be made on the design, the board went with a more traditional sign. "I've just been in a real historical mood lately," Shawn Cockrum said.

Funding for the sign - which will be displayed in front of the school - will take a coordinated effort from a variety of New Bloomfield organizations. The board needs to raise about $20,000. The New Bloomfield alumni association, booster club and PTA will be asked to chip in for the sign. Wisdom did not set a specific date to have all the money but hopes to do so within the next two-five years.

High school/middle school Principal Jeremy Davidson outlined some of the new technology the high school will be using, including a new phone system, and discussed preparing juniors for the ACT.