New superintendent excited about coming to Potter-Dix

Veteran teacher, principal and superintendent Mike Williams is excited to become superintendent at Potter-Dix Public Schools. He replaces longtime superintendent Kevin Thomas, who will retire at the end of this school year.

Williams, along with his wife and four children, has spent the last four years at Maywood Public School, a small, rural school district south of North Platte.

"My entire career has been in rural schools and I just can't see myself at a larger district," Williams said. "The opportunities that small schools offer students both academically and with extra-curricular activities, I think, produces a more rounded student and young adult as they graduate and move on into the world."

Williams previously taught all grades, kindergarten through high school seniors, in physical education, psychology and sociology. He has also coached and served as athletic director at previous posts, mainly in Nebraska.

After being contacted regarding the position at Potter-Dix, Williams said he found the school's NeSA scores to be good and paired with a well-rounded extra curricular program, and thought it would be a good fit.

Williams further stated that the facilities are similar to other districts he has worked with and that they are well cared for.

"Facilities are an area that need to have attention placed on them because without consistent care a lot of money can be spent in a short amount of time," Williams said.

The community was a big selling point for Williams as well.

"One of the things that impressed my wife and I as we interviewed at Potter-Dix was the pride in the schools and the communities," he said. "The level of volunteerism that exists to keep the communities beautiful and well kept was a positive, and the friendliness of the people that we met was great."

Something else that Williams is looking forward to is working with a new staff and learning how things are done at Potter-Dix. Then his challenge will be incorporating some of his ideas into the mix without upsetting the general routines and practices that have been established in the district.

"Whenever there is change it can be somewhat scary. But I also think that change can refresh batteries and bring a level of excitement," Williams said. "I'm looking forward to working with the students and getting to know them, and getting to know the communities so that I can help bring the best educational opportunities to the students."

Williams said that his practice when changing jobs is to take his time and observe so he can make better assessments of where the new team is and determining which changes are needed.

"I am not a change for change sake kind of person," Williams said. "By observing over time I have some reasons why when I start making some suggestions."

Williams hopes to bring a fresh perspective on education to the district and communities that will increase efficiency and effectiveness.

"I am an optimistic person by nature, so I like to look at things we are doing well, while being realistic and finding solutions for those items that may need some attention." Williams said.

Although he enjoys golf, Williams hesitates to call himself a golfer. He and his family enjoy spending time on the family farm near Benedict when they get the chance.

"Our family is excited about coming to the Potter-Dix School District and hopefully I can make a positive impact on the staff and students." Williams said.