South Washington County School superintendent begins district meet-and-greet

• Keith Jacobus

New Superintendent Keith Jacobus took his seat with the District 833 School Board for the first time Tuesday, July 17. In an animated report at the end of the meeting, he tells board members about his observations since he moved into his office the first week in July. Bulletin photo by Judy Spooner

Talk about it

New Superintendent Keith Jacobus took his place beside the District 833 School Board for the first time last week and so far appears to be making good on a promise he made during his interviews.

He told board members of his plan to visit schools, district facilities, cities, communities and meet citizens on each of his first 100 days in the district. Between July 5-16, the night of the first meeting, he said he had made 23 visits around the district, which puts him ahead of schedule.

By the time 100 days have passed, he’ll make a lot more than 100 visits, he told board members.

Though he said he already knew that 833 is a great district, he’s discovering that it’s true during his visits. The meetings have been positive.

“I found excitement,” he said after the meeting, with people telling him that the district is a great place to work.

Jacobus, in his board report, expanded on the number of summer programs taking place, including 1,200 students and 120 teachers in “Summer Campus” to get students up to speed for the coming year.

He also talked about summer construction and, in a departure from traditional superintendent reports, asked Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Keith Ryskoski to give the board more information about a consent agenda item about a grant to find more ways for kids to safely walk or bike to school.

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