Posted June 24, 2024
Reflecting on his 32 years in education – 21 of which were dedicated to the Plymouth School District – retiring Superintendent Dan Mella said what he will miss most are the people.
“The staff here has been wonderful,” he said during his final Superintendent’s Report at the June 18 Board of Education meeting. “The kids and families as well. The board as well.”
“I couldn’t imagine being in a better place for 21 years,” he continued. “It’s been a fantastic place to have our kids grow up next to each other, fishing in the pond – your kids that went to school, that I knew and coached and taught and talked to on a regular basis. It’s a wonderful place to be.”
Both he and Board President Bob Travis noted that this year’s Plymouth High School spring athletes certainly gave a great send-off. Girls Soccer won the WIAA State Championship for the second year in a row; the Boys Tennis doubles team of Owen Plate and Jaren Baltus took second at Division 1 State; softball advanced to sectionals; baseball reached the regional final; and Track & Field sent two to State: Wyatt Herzog, who finished 5th in the 400-meter dash, and his own son Edi, who finished 7th in discus.
“It’s been one heck of a spring,” Mr. Mella said. “Every day there was some big achievement happening, so that was wonderful.”
Mr. Travis agreed. “What a great way to cap off the end of the year. It’s got to be great for you, Dan, because that’s what you like to see. You like to see kids achieve and grow and reach.”
In fact, Mr. Mella said “cool student achievements” of all sorts have been among his best memories over the years, such as students getting into military academies. He also enjoys finding out what former students are doing 20 years after graduation.
He also was happy whenever teachers or administrators launched a new program, “something innovative or cool,” citing as an example the school gardens he helped get started with his wife.
Another example: “Using the Food Science & Ag Center to get fresh vegetables on the tables for the kids in our district. That is still pretty unique in our state and beyond.”
Mr. Mella also is proud that, despite changing demographics and a rising number of students below the poverty level, district students continue to perform well. “That is a testament to our teachers,” he said.
Additional accomplishments mentioned by others include helping with the facilities referendum and helping secure private sponsorships to pay for the PHS turf field.
His colleagues also have appreciated his leadership style. “Dan has brought a sense of calm to the position,” said Assistant Superintendent Dena Budrecki. “He is thoughtful in his decision making.”
Athletic Director Dan Knaus agreed. “Dan brought a leadership style that allowed professionals to be creative and motivated them to be the owners of their curriculum,” he said. “Dan has been a great leader with a down-to-earth style from his time as principal, to curriculum director, and finally superintendent.”
Many lauded how Mr. Mella guided the district through the return to school after the Covid-19 shutdown.
“Every decision seemed to face criticism regardless of the stance taken,” Mrs. Budrecki said. “Despite this, he consistently prioritized the well-being of students and staff in his decision-making.”
In recognition that Mr. Mella, an avid angler, guided the district through some rough waters, Mr. Travis said it would be appropriate to give him a fishing boat as a parting gift – but since Plymouth is a low-spending district the board instead gave him an inflatable raft (along with fishing bobbers, a toy fishing rod, and a gift certificate).
“It’s not a fishing boat, but it floats on the water,” Mr. Travis said. “When you’re on it, think about how you helped us navigate.”
Mr. Travis said the district appreciates all he’s done. “You taught us, here in this little pond of Plymouth, that we can dream big, we can achieve big things. That’s the gift that you gave us.”
Mr. Mella’s plans for retirement are still taking shape. Two possible contenders: working in post-secondary education or buying and operating a fishing lodge in Canada.
Mr. Mella began his career in education in 1992 as a science teacher at Neenah High School and became dean of students there in 1996. He was named associate principal at Menasha High School in 1997 and principal at Menasha Middle School in 2000, before coming to Plymouth as PHS principal in 2003. He became assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in 2013 and superintendent in September 2020.
He will be succeeded by Scott Stier on July 1. Mr. Stier has been principal of Kewaskum High School since 2015. He began his career in education as a science teacher and coach at Badger Middle School in West Bend from 1996 to 2008, then served as athletic director at West Bend West High School from 2008 to 2015. He holds a bachelor of science degree from UW-Eau Claire, a master of education degree from National Louis University, principal and director of instruction certification from Concordia University, and superintendent licensure from UW-Oshkosh.
“The district is in really good hands,” Mr. Mella said during the school board meeting, before addressing Mr. Stier in the audience. “You’re going to bring all kinds of new improvements to the district.”
Learn more:
• Read about other faculty and staff retirements.
Superintendent Dan Mella
