by Dennis Dalman
A new activities director has been hired for the Sartell-St. Stephen School District.
The appointment was announced earlier this week by School District Superintendent Jeff Schwiebert.
The new director is Ryan Hauge, who hails from the St. Francis School District where he was a social-studies teacher, head basketball coach for nine years, golf coach for seven years and professional-development trainer. Hauge plans to finish his degree in educational administration sometime this December. He will begin his duties in Sartell Nov. 27.
The St. Francis School District, near the Twin Cities, is located in both northern Anoka County and southern Isanti County and serves the cities of St. Francis, Bethel, East Bethel, Oak Grove and parts of Andover and Nowthen. It serves nearly 5,000 students and has a staff of about 800.
Hauge was selected and approved by the Sartell-St. Stephen School Board from among a slate of candidates interviewed at a series of open-forum sessions, including one with activities’ advisors and coaches.
Hauge will replace interim activities director Jim Michaud, who was named about three months ago to fill in for former full-time athletics director John Ross.
After learning he was selected, Hauge expressed his pleasure:
“I’m humbled at the opportunity to serve as the Sartell-St. Stephen School District Activities Director,” he said. “Sartell High School has dynamic programming, and our new facility (new high school now being built) will add to that immensely. I look forward to working with our coaches, advisors and students to expand their leadership capabilities and ensure we serve the needs of all students . . . I’m proud to be a (Sartell) Sabre.”
Superintendent Schwiebert said Hauge is a good fit for the Sartell-St. Stephen School District.
“We are excited to have Ryan’s leadership and diverse experience in our district,” he wrote in a press release. “His philosophy and vision for a well-rounded activities program aligns well with our mission, and we are looking forward to growing our programs.”