Schieffert says farewell to NUACS students, staff

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- New Ulm Area Catholic Schools Superintendent David Schieffert marked the end of 31 years as an educator at a special assembly held in his honor Friday at Cathedral High School

Schieffert, who is retiring this year, told faculty, students and Catholic clergy that his 31 years as a counselor, teacher and principal were meaningful, but he regretted the feeling that he'd lost touch with students as he moved up the ranks over the course of his long career.

"There is no profession more sacred, more special than education and Catholic education holds an even greater value. To be the counselor, the teacher, the administrator and the superintendent of a school system for 31 years is without a doubt true dedication and committment," said Sister Sharon Waldoch of Holy Trinity Catholic Church during a brief adress at the begining of the ceremony.

Monsignor Anthony Leifeld also gave a short address before leading the assembly in two prayers and blessing Schieffert.

"I didn't think I'd be as nervous as I am now....You have no way of knowing how much you people have meant to me over the years," Sheiffert told bleachers full of New Ulm Catholic school students and faculty. "I became a school counselor because and wanted to work with kids. That's what education is about -- working with kids."

But one thing Scheiffert said he regretted was the distance away from the student body he'd accumulated over the years.

"Every time I take a new position, I'm moving further and further away from the student body," he said. "I don't know the kids' names anymore, and that's the most disappointing thing."

"It is God's blessing to work for schools," Scheiffert said later.

'Thanks for the memories," he concluded. "And thanks for a special day."

The audience responded with a short standing ovation after Schieffert's remarks concluded.

The cast of CHS's production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" suprised everyone with a special rendition of the theme "You're A Good Man, Mr. Schieffert," in which cast members linked arms with the superintendent and ran him around the gymnasium floor while singing the song.

The entire student body of St. Anthony Elementary School then crowded around Scheiffert to sing a version of "Jesus Loves You" complete with stomps, claps and other motions.

Holy Trinity Middle School Eight Grade Student Council President Sharon Wurtzberger presented the superintendent with a gift certificate on behalf of the entire NUACS student body.

Schieffert began his career with the NUACS as a school couselor in 1969 and became principal of Cathedral High School in 1975. He assumed the position of superintendent in 1992 in addition to his regular duites as principal. Scheiffert had been a full-time superintendent since 1994.

NUACS superintendent search committee chairperson Linda Braulick said the NUACS Board of Education has received several applications, conducted interviews and has two formal candidates for Schieffer's old job. Braulick said the committee hopes to have a decision by its next meeting on June 11. Until then, no further announcements will be made by the board, Braulick said.