The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Dan Schrock, Big Sandy Schools' new superintendent, arrived in town over the 4th of July weekend. Dan has been working in Montana for a few years, but is originally from Michigan. "I grew up in lower Michigan, but I graduated from college at Northern Michigan University Marquette up there in the U.P. (upper peninsula). Then I came out to Montana after that."

Dan is an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, and travel. His preference for outdoor hobbies has heavily influenced his choice of Montana and the various schools he has worked for. "I could have stayed in the UP, but it's really hard to find employment there so I just figured: You're young. You can do it. I'd heard great things about Montana from friends of mine that had been out here, so I decided to come to Montana..." In response to 'Why Big Sandy?' Mr. Schrock explained "You've got the breaks, which I love. That's beautiful country. You get up there, and you see so many different mountain ranges. And it's just special country. You also have the Bear Paws, and the prairie too, which is unique in and of itself. Maybe even the Northern Lights this far north..."

Geography wasn't the only determining factor for Dan's move to our community. Previous encounters with our school through sporting events also influenced the decision: "There's a lot of pride in Big Sandy, with respect to the kids that I've seen. When I watched Big Sandy compete in the playoffs this fall...I think it was in Stanford...Big Sandy played very well. And you could just tell there's a lot of pride. It was evident. I mean, the people were pretty excited about their kids. When you've been to different schools, you pick up on what people value, what they support, and you can sense the pride. That's what spoke to me." Dan also explained that the local school is a good size for offering educational opportunities and having enough students for the extra curricular activities without being too large and losing the small town atmosphere.

Our new superintendent studied secondary education as an undergraduate, which covers a broad range of subjects. In his career, he has taught "social studies, history, government, world history... even psychology fits under that that credential..." His minor in physical education and health has enabled him to do some coaching as well. "I had coaches that inspired me, and I thought that would be a nice combination. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity." He has coached football and basketball and has worked as an athletic director. tMr. Schrock has even done some school counseling while working in Alaska for a few years early in his career.

As he settles into our town, Dan is looking forward to bird hunting in the fall with his golden retriever, Otto. In addition he's looking forward to the other hunting options Dan Schrock, Big Sandy Schools' new superintendent, arrived in town over the 4th of July weekend. Dan has been working in Montana for a few years, but is originally from Michigan. "I grew up in lower Michigan and but I graduated from college at Northern Michigan University Marquette up there in the U.P. (upper peninsula) and then I came out to Montana after that."

Throughout our conversation, Dan repeatedly spoke of how excited he was to get to work in our school. He's already begun working on new and creative ways to advertise for teachers to fill the classroom openings at the school. He exhibited a great deal of passion for educating students and working with teachers to build a team environment that will benefit the kids, staff, and the community.