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Stepping aside: CCISD board begins to plan leadership change, welcomes new member

CCISD board begins to plan leadership change, welcomes new member

Joshua Vissers/Daily Mining Gazette CCISD Superintendent George Stockero, who officially tendered his resignation for the end of this school year during Tuesday’s CCISD board meeting.

After selecting a new board member Tuesday night, the Copper Country Intermediate School District Board also accepted, with regret, the retirement resignation of Superintendent George Stockero, effective June 30, 2021.

“This is not a surprise,” Stockero said. “I have loved being here and I will still work very hard this year.”

Stockero is in his seventh year at the CCISD and his 32nd in education. He previously worked as the superintendent of Chassell schools.

Stockero told the board he was giving such advance notice because he wants the replacement process started earlier to have more time. Not only will that give the board extra time to select someone, but it gives that person time to prepare for the job. If the board chooses a local person, the school system they come from would have time to select their own replacement, too.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and proud of a lot of the things that we’ve accomplished, and I’m still here for this year so we have a lot of things to still accomplish this year,” Stockero said.

The board intends to start planning the selection process and timeline at work sessions in October.

Adam Loukus was selected as the new board member to the CCISD. He replaces his father, Robert, who retired from the board in August after seven years.

“It’s nice to have someone younger than myself on the board, no knock on anyone else,” said Trustee Dale Kero, who seconded Loukus’ nomination, initially offered by Tim Palosaari.

Kero said Loukus is in touch with the students in the school district, is well-educated with multiple degrees, and runs a business in line with the CCISD Career and Technical Education program.

“I think he can bring a lot of energy and value to the board as a new member,” Kero said.

Initially, the board was split 4-2 between Loukus and Robert Hiltunen, another of the five applicants for the position. Once the decision was made, approval of Loukus’ appointment was unanimous.

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