Photo by Jim Muchlinski Jerry Rasmussen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the new part-time superintendent in the Lynd School District. He has 34 years of education experience at the Dakota Valley School District in the Sioux City, Iowa area.

LYND — Jerry Rasmussen’s search for a part-time job in education led to the Lynd School District and its opening for a superintendent.

Rasmussen began his duties in the Lynd district on July 1. He replaces Bob Tews, who finished his education career by serving Lynd on a part-time basis for the past two years.

Rasmussen brings 34 years of experience to Lynd, all of which was spent in the Dakota Valley School District on the southeastern tip of South Dakota. It encompasses all of North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes.

He’ll be commuting to Lynd from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where his wife Tanya works as the director of education services in the Harrisburg School District.

“All of our four kids have grown up, so we’re at a point in our life where we’re looking to spend more time with them and with grandchildren,” Rasmussen said. “I looked for part-time opportunities as an administrator or a college professor, and the opening in Lynd stood out.”

He looks forward to leading a small school district, one that maintains a pre-K through 8th grade campus. He said he received several very favorable recommendations from education contacts who are based in Minnesota.

He began his career at Dakota Valley as a social studies teacher who also served as a head football coach and assistant in both basketball and track.

After 12 years of teaching, he served as the high school principal for 17 years. He was the Dakota Valley superintendent for the past five years.

“I really enjoyed my time as a teacher and coach,” Rasmussen said. “School administration was a logical way for me to advance. I wanted to use my skills to provide leadership, the kind that would meet the needs of teachers, staff and families.”

He entered into a two-year contract with the Lynd School Board. He’s interested in the potential of serving the district beyond his initial contract, possibly for as long as five to 10 years.

“I’m starting out with the idea of a long term opportunity, one that could provide a good situation for me and continuity for the district,” he said. “It’s been great so far. Everyone has been very welcoming.”

In describing what works best in school districts, he said it’s important to have a team atmosphere. He noted that it should be based on serving the entire school, not simply the students in a particular classroom.

He added that the teaching process has both individual and group dimensions. Along with the importance of treating all students as individuals, it’s important to foster success for entire groups in ways that prepare them for further experiences in high school and beyond.

Lynd Principal Jason Swenson said he’s enjoying the opportunity to begin a new school year with Rasmussen, one that’s starting out with enthusiasm among the staff.

“We have great opportunities this year,” Swenson said. “It will be nice to be back in the classrooms. We’re excited about what we can offer students, and we’re as ready as we can be.”

Lynd School District Business Manager Joann Condelli said she sees similar anticipation for the 2021-22 school year from local families.

“In August almost everyone looks forward to going back,” Condelli said. “We always have strong support among our families. They share our educational goals.”