NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – After 31 years in the education field, 11 of which, serving as the Negaunee public schools superintendent, Dan Skewis will be retiring from his position late this summer. “I’m looking forward to passing the baton,” said Skewis. “I know the district will continue to thrive, because our community is super supportive and our staff is really strong.”
After graduating from Northern Michigan University in 1994, he began his teaching career in Redford Township in 1995. Skewis then returned to his hometown of Negaunee for the 1996-97 school year. There, he taught math and computers for six years, earning the teacher of the year award in 2000. Over the next 12 years, Skewis took roles in the assistant and head principal positions at the Negaunee middle school. In 2014, he was offered the superintendent position.
“I decided to take it on an interim one-year position, and that was 11 years ago, so here we are, 31 years in education 29 of those in Negaunee,” said Skewis. “I feel grateful to be able to be healthy and still really enjoy my job, and enjoy being a part of this community, working for a great district.” Throughout his 11 year tenure, the administration has been able to grow even during the pandemic. In August 2020, they were able to pass a bond proposal for all new renovations across the school district. This included renovations to every classroom in the elementary building, both libraries in the middle school and high school, a brand new practice facility at the football field, and all new windows at the middle school. “It just speaks bounds about our community and their support for our schools,” said Skewis.
Skewis plans to continue reffing local sports games, such as basketball, baseball and football; as well as bringing his lengthy education experience to help at NMU. “I’m doing some work right now for Northern Michigan University, I’m supervising some of the student teachers in their education department,” said Skewis. “I hope to continue to do that, and maybe teach a class or two, and I look forward to spending some more time with my family.”
The Negaunee Public School Board of Education has taken community input on the hiring process of a new superintendent, who will be starting in the fall semester.
