Wendel named MV superintendent

Dr. Lisa Wendel has been named Mississinawa Valley's new superintendent, to replace the retiring Joe Scholler.

Wendel has been with the district for 18 years as a principal, at both the elementary and middle school levels. Prior to coming to MV, she taught at Ft. Recovery for six years, where she also served as elementary guidance counselor. She is a graduate of Ft. Recovery, where she still lives.

With an undergraduate degree from Wright State, Wendel earned her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

She said her most proud achievement is how the elementary school's scores on state tests have really climbed.

Wendel added, "That's been the highlight of my career. The district is really focused on increasing student achievement, and we're always looking at student character. Our goal is to make sure our students can compete nationally in whatever they choose."

Known for her hands-on involvement with students, Wendel was the originator of the Taiko drumming group, an attempt to give students a non-traditional, alternative activity.

Wendel knows the job of superintendent will limit her interaction with students. She said, "I will miss that close contact. But it will be up to me to pursue it. I hope to be very accessible."

Mississinawa now needs to find two principals, the elementary position Wendel is vacating, and the high school's principalship, which was vacated in the middle of the year due to a retirement.

"I will be involved in filling those positions," Wendel said. "Filling the principals' positions will be the immediate challenge."

Becoming superintendent means taking on more budget-making responsibilities. Wendel said, "Our budget isn't in great shape, but we're holding our own, making sure expenditures don't exceed revenue." She said the school district's treasurer, Nick Hamilton, is a great asset.

About becoming superintedent, Wendel said, "I consider it quite an honor."