Superintendent ready for new challenge

GWINN — Things are starting to come together for Gwinn Area Community Schools.

The school district hired Tom Jayne as its new superintendent at its board meeting Monday night and Gilbert Elementary is in the works to re–open in the near future.

“I’m leaving with mixed emotions and a heavy heart,” said Jayne.

Come the first of July, Jayne is leaving his hometown of Iron Mountain, but it will be a homecoming of sorts for him. The 1981 Iron Mountain graduate is coming back to Gwinn, where he spent eight years at the school as an athletic director, vice principal and principal.

“I’m honored to come back to the area and hopefully through the experience I have gained throughout my years as a teacher and administrator to the GACS District along with the Board of Education, the entire staff, students, and community,” said Jayne. “I know that they have many goals and they want to move forward and become the best district that they can.”

One of those goals was achieved at Monday night’s school board meeting. The Gwinn School Board voted to re–open Gilbert Elementary School. The school will re–open on the basis that a sinking fund millage is passed by voters in August.

“With Sawyer (Elementary) being at 110% capacity, they felt it was best to re-open it,” said Jayne about the school board’s decision. “It’s always a positive attraction for parents with young children. It’s more attractive to go to the school. It’s less travel for the students and it acclimates you to the community. You feel a part of the community,” added Jayne.

Jayne added that he is ready to hit the ground running at Gwinn once July first rolls around.

“Hopefully the formula of my experience, my enthusiasm, they’re enthusiasm and will to make Gwinn the best it can be will make a great combination and recipe.