Mueller talks about taking over as interim superintendent

Craig Mueller is the new interim superintendent of Havre Public Schools.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity," he said. "I've had a great experience in Havre Public Schools and look forward to coming challenges, because I know there will be many. I know that we have an excellent faculty and staff, and I look forward to continuing my relationship with them and moving forward into some uncharted waters."

He said changes that will be made will go along with the current times and the COVID-19 situation.

He thinks the schools are going to look different, he said, adding that this might be a good time for a transition.

"We are looking at a lot of changes across the district from a new facility and transportation director, a new athletic director, new principal at Sunnyside," he said.

Before taking the interim superintendent position, Mueller said, he was the assistant superintendent for four years and the Havre High School principal for four year prior to that.

He was a teacher and coach at Ottawa Township High School in Ottawa, Illinois, for 17 years before coming to Havre.

He said the last four years of doing that job part of his responsibility was being a freshman academy coordinator in the school district.

He said he was originally from Illinois, where he received his bachelor's degree in history with a minor in political science from Illinois State University, his master's degree in education in curriculum and instruction from National-Louis University in Chicago, another master's degree from Northern Illinois University in education in leadership and administration and then attended Montana State University for his superintendent endorsement.

"I've really appreciated my roles in school leadership to this point," Mueller said. 

He said he has big shoes to fill after Andy Carlson retired. Carlson retired after 10 years in that position and 21 years with the district.

"I've learned a lot from him about policy, about law, about management and building relationships - that's very important," Mueller said. "I know of few better people who are able to interact with students than Mr. Carlson. Just to see those kids eyes and faces light up when they saw him, and to watch him interact with students was something that inspired me as well.

"We have been, as a family, very fortunate here in Havre," he added. "I've really enjoyed the people and really look forward to continuing to build on those relationships and positively contribute to the lives of our children and our students."

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National Louis University: https://www.nl.edu