Caledonia Argus

Interim superintendent hired

Posted: 7/3/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

James ìJimî Tool has been hired as District #299ís new interim superintendent.

Toolís appointment was finalized at Mondayís school board meeting.

After two years in retirement, Tool, 59, said he was missing the school atmosphere when he received a call from school board president Cheryl Whitesitt asking if he would be interested in applying for the position of interim superintendent for the district following the departure of Percy Lingen, who accepted a position in International Falls. He was interviewed Thursday, and by Monday, July 1, was at work in the district office.

Toolís most recent position was in the Delano School District, where he served as superintendent from 1982 to 2000. During his tenure there, voters passed a $9.9 million bond for the construction of a new elementary building and high school addition; a $22 million bond for improving K-12 buildings and add a community center and three operating levies.

From 1979-1982, Tool was superintendent of the Wabasha-Kellogg School District, and from 1975-1979, he served as superintendent of the Trimont School District, now Martin County West. While in Trimont, a $9.75 million special levy was passed with a balanced budget rather than deficit spending the result. Also during that time, the elementary school building was closed and their high school remodeled to accommodate elementary students, a situation very similar to the project underway in Caledonia.

Tool received his undergraduate degree in science education from St. Cloud State College and earned his masterís at Oregon State University with a major in guidance and counseling. He earned his doctorate degree in educational administration in 1975 from the University of Minnesota.

Tool has been a frequent visitor to the area for the past seven or eight years because he and his wife enjoy biking the trails near Lanesboro.

ìI was familiar with the beauty of the area,î he commented.

In addition to the scenery, Tool said he was attracted by the challenges facing the school district. He plans to spend a considerable amount of time reading, listening and learning.

ìI have a ton of information I need to learn,î he remarked.

The new school will be a asset to the community, said Tool.

ìCaledonia is a fortunate community to have things as modern as they will be here,î he said. ìCaledonia should have a bright future and I hope I can keep them going in that direction.î

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