By DEB BENTLY
Staff Writer
Grant Berg, social studies teacher with NRHEG since 2004, has been chosen as the secondary principal, filling a position left open by the recent resignation of 10-year leader David Bunn.
Berg began the training necessary to become a school administrator last fall and will finish the final steps in the next few months.
This development, he admits, has been something of a whirlwind. “When I started the training, my objective was to acquire some new skills and be of use to the district in some new ways,” he says. “It took me completely by surprise when this position opened up.”
Still, he observes, if he was going to take on administrative tasks, he feels unusually well placed to do so. “I know the staff, I know the students; I know our facilities and our programs.”
District superintendent Michael Meihak agrees: “Mr. Berg is a natural fit for the position. His experience and knowledge of the district will be a significant asset during his transition to this administrative role.”
Long-time secondary teacher Robin Eder says that many staff members are also pleased regarding Berg’s new position. “He’s already been making many contributions to the day-to-day operation of the school,” said Eder. “We’ve been grateful for his reliable, firm demeanor and his dedication to approaching each interaction in a way that will lead to a positive outcome.”
Berg’s training has been through Concordia University in St. Paul. He says that some of the most important “take-aways” he has gathered is that learning can continue best when a school is operated with reliable, smooth consistency. “The staff are the people who make that possible,” he observes. “A central part of leading the school is making sure your staff is heard and understood.”
The same extends to the community, to whom the school and its students belong. “I plan to do everything I can to build a smooth working relationship with the community and with the staff,” Berg said.
“I’m going to give them the best I have.”
Berg, a 1998 graduate of NRHEG, lives in New Richland with his wife of 10 years, Trudy. They have 7-year-old twins, Zeke and Emerson. Many members of Berg’s extended family also live locally.
“We are excited to have Mr. Berg leading our secondary school,” commented Meihak. “His
duties as secondary school principal will officially start on July 1. While the building will not be buzzing with students, July and August will fly by quicker than normal as he will be tackling the work that is needed to be done for the 2023-2024 school year.”