Superintendent's Scoop: Reflections on 2023

by Paul Olson, NDVS/SB Superintendent

The past year was very impactful with so many memorable activities and events that it is challenging to list them all. I do understand, however, that most everyone just wants the “Reader’s Digest” version. When it’s all said and done, our hope is that every small thing we do adds up to helping people achieve and meet their goals. While recognizing we can always do more and do it better, I am confident that we did just that. 

Every two years we compile a Biennial Report for the legislature, the governor, and the people. We submitted that report in November for the two-year period ending June 30, 2023.  We summarize our accomplishments and challenges as well as indicate our financial status. I am pleased to report that as a small state agency we were provided the resources to carry out our mission by the legislature and we attempt to use those resources wisely. 

Here is a snapshot of what we have been doing to serve children and adults throughout the state from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. I hope you enjoy this graphic roadmap of services created by Lilly Dunrud. You can also read the entire biennial report here.

The last thing I will note that really deserves more than a mention is my heartfelt appreciation and happiness for a person who retired after 23 years of amazing service to NDVS/SB. Tami Purcell retired on November 2. She was one of the most loyal and dedicated employees of our school in all my time here. As the business manager she worked hand-in-hand with the prior superintendent (Carmen Suminski) and myself since I stepped into that role in 2013. She was a wise advisor and manager that cared for all the employees here and had a positive impact on our culture every day. She will be missed. This said, we are so pleased to welcome Paula Solheim as our new business manager. She is already following in Tami’s footsteps and making a big impact here, and trust me—it is a big job. 

I wish everyone a healthy and productive new year and remember to have fun every day!