Finke named Summerland superintendent

The search for a superintendent is over.

Kyle Finke, elementary principal at Battle Creek Public Schools, will assume the position in official capacity, July 1.

The announcement was made during Monday's Summerland School board of education meeting in Ewing.

Finke attended the meeting and will begin to implement a transition plan he presented to board members during a Feb. 8 formal interview.

He will assume the position following the retirement of current superintendent, Dale Martin, who announced his resignation in November.

Finke attended Johnson-Brock Public Schools, in southeast Nebraska, and graduated from Peru State College.

In 2003, he earned a masters degree in education 7-12 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and added a PK-8 endorsement in 2006.

Finke received an education specialist degree from Wayne State College in 2010.

During his formal interview with the board of education Feb. 8, Finke said he has "worn a lot of hats" throughout his education career.

"I'd like to focus on one job, that being the superintendent of Summerland Public School. As I look at this opportunity, I look at a new building, three communities coming together and it seems like a good fit."

Finke said education is about making and creating relationships with students, staff and stakeholders.

Creating a strong learning environment will bolster success.

'It's an exciting time for everyone. You've got three communities coming together as one. You get the opportunity to be in a brand new beautiful building. Now, it's just a matter of fine-tuning curriculum. It's my understanding the staff will be in place. Then it's just a matter of finding opportunities for students to succeed at Summerland Public Schools," Finke said.

As a Nebraska School Activities Association referee, Finke has had an opportunity to see Summerland students in action.

"It's obvious the kids seem to be adjusting quite well," he said.

The next step includes sharing the positive attributes of the system within the communities it serves.

"There are opportunities for the school to go out and do things in the three communities. As they get in one building next year, it will be a great stepping stone. You'll create some relationships and those relationships will help foster things in the communities, as well."

His vision is to continue to raise the bar and "provide a product some of the outlying communities may have students who want to attend Summerland Public School."

Part of the transition process will include building a strategic plan for the district.

"It's about finding what your community wants, what you can do as a school district and then going out and making those things happen," he said.

He envisions becoming a school of choice, where students have opportunities to investigate career options and programs, within the district, are able to be expanded.

"You've got a great building. Now, you're putting programs and curriculum in place," he said. "My vision is the best possible education is available for the students at Summerland."

Finke offered several ideas for building a two- to three-year budget plan for the district.

Setting goals will be key.

"The nice piece is, some of the expensive items, you've taken care of. The big thing is working with building administrators and making sure you know what curriculum is needed."

Establishing a rotation plan for large purchases, including transportation and curriculum needs, will need to be implemented.

As elementary principal in the Battle Creek school system, Finke has overseen the budgeting process for the elementary site in Battle Creek. The school recently completed a $1.2 million HVAC and lighting project.

While at Battle Creek, the district has been able to refinance a bond for the new high school.

"It's a matter of working closely with your bonding company," he said. "If it's refinancing to take years off the bond or refinance and get a lower rate, I think it's important to stay in touch with them (the bonding company)."

Finke and his wife, Barb, have lived in Battle Creek since 2005. He taught junior and senior high school business, and since 2006, Finke has served as elementary principal. Barb serves as a first grade teacher.

The Finkes have three children.

Megan and her husband, Matt Wollum, reside in Gretna. They have one daughter, Avery.

Taylor Finke majors in English/language arts at Peru State College, where she is a member of the golf team.

Garrett Finke is a junior at Battle Creek High School.

"We're a tight-knit family," Finke said.

Before moving to Battle Creek, Finke also taught at Southeast Nebraska Consolidated School and Wausa Public Schools.

He has been involved with the Battle Creek Betterment Club and summer ball association. He serves as a lector at church and sits on the board of the Evergreen Hills Golf Course.