By Emily Bontrager
The Mississinewa School Board elected a new district superintendent at their bi-monthly board meeting Monday night.
The board elected Jeremy Fewell as superintendent and school administrator Steve Quaderer as assistant superintendent.
“We agreed no matter who was elected, I mean nominated, what the result is, we’ll support him,” said School Board President Wayne “Spike” Gaskin. “It came down to majority vote, and we had a majority for one candidate.”
Fewell’s contract as superintendent will begin on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of the current superintendent Lezlie Winter on June 28.
“When looking at the academics of what they offer for students, there’s a lot of great things going on here,” said Fewell. “And I think with me coming in and being able to offer some different insights and ideas, we can work together to take it even to even bigger heights moving forward.”
Fewell said no large changes would be made right away when he became superintendent.
“They’re doing a lot of good things already within the district,” said Fewell. “So, my role coming in is to listen and learn.”
Fewell said he wants to meet with staff members, administrators and community members. He said he wants to work together with the staff and community to add programs and make changes.
“I don’t want to come in here and say ‘hey, this is how we’re going to do things.’ That’s not how I do things,” said Fewell.
A few of the community members present at the event wore matching shirts with the letter Q printed on them in support of Quaderer.
Tracie Speakman, one of Quaderer’s supporters says she is glad Quaderer will remain on the school board in his new role as assistant superintendent.
“It shows the kind of character he has to continue to stay and do this and support everyone,” said Hanna Tikendall, another Quaderer supporter.
Fewell will serve as superintendent from July 1 of this year through June 30 2027, with a $133,500 salary.
“I think the fit between myself, and the school board worked out really well, both sides” said Fewell. “I did my research before looking into this job and it’s a great district.”
Emily Lamb 
Thomas Harding