North Dakota Native Serves as District Superintendent
August 16, 2006
Edward Rastovski,
Superintendent
Wahoo Public Schools
2201 N. Locust
Wahoo, Nebraska 68066
(402) 443-3051
ERastovski@aol.com
Hometown:
Sheyenne, North Dakota (pop. 400)
Education:
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry & Social Science), North Dakota State University, Valley City, ND
Master of Science (Educational Administration), Wayne State College
Specialist Degree, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Experience:
--Superintendent, Wahoo Public Schools, 9 years
--Superintendent, Tri-Center Schools, Neola, IA, 9 years
--Middle School/High School Principal, Johnson-Brock (NE), 9 years
--Girls Basketball Coach (1986 State Champions), Johnson-Brock (NE), 8 years
--Chemistry & Social Science Teacher, Winnebago High School (NE), 5 years
--Assistant to Superintendent (Federal Programs & Computer Managed Curriculum), Winnebago (NE), 4 years
--Boys Basketball Coach, Winnebago, 7 years
Interesting Facts about Yourself:
I love running (hated it in high school), movies, good books, travel, school, playing catch with my son. My mother was a great athlete. She played catch with me, and could outrun me until I was 14. Two classmates and I once walked 72 miles in 24 hours (Kennedy Fitness 1963).
I was once suspended from school for three days. My mother did not go to school to bail me out of trouble.
I had to sit out half of a basketball game for eating banana cream pie before we went down to dress.
I once got an 'F' in conduct for talking too much in middle school.
Despite all this, I was an honor student.
The most important events in my life were marrying my wife and raising our children.
Role Models:
"Many educators have helped me throughout my life. My dad died when I was eight, and in retrospect I believe a lot of teachers provided guidance that helped me to understand that education was my best opportunity. My best models for administration were my former superintendents, Bob Pease and Marvin Buzzard. They worked for students."
Herman Stern: "[He was] 85 when I met him, and owned a number of very good men's stores in North Dakota. He taught me and modeled loyalty to country, state, community, and family."
J. M. Harvey: "My Godfather. I worked for him on the farm all through school. He was a quiet, very good man, who set an example for calmness in life."
Nikki Solomon (a friend from Winnebago): "She is one of the kindest, most loyal human beings I have ever known. She knows how to raise a family. She set an example by always forgiving her enemies. She always gave people another chance."
Ed Kelley (former professor of education at UNL): "[He] had high standards and would fail those who would not or could not do what was expected--even if they were superintendents."
What have been the most significant changes in education during your tenure, and what significant changes do your foresee in education's future?
"Most people would recognize the passing of the elementary bond issue and resulting building as well as improving equipment and facilities in the school. I think my most important work has been the addition of great educators to the school to team up with the great staff that was already here. It is what really makes a difference in the life of a student. I also like to have an ice cream machine in schools where I work."
"I expect to see steady growth in student population for Wahoo Public Schools. We need to continue to have good staff, sound finances, and quality facilities as the district grows."
