Michael Bootz of Mackinaw City began work as the interim Mackinac Island school superintendent Monday, September 28. Michael Bootz, the newly hired interim superintendent at Mackinac Island Public School, will hold the post for about 12 weeks. That is his agreement with the school board. Before he leaves, he said, he will have the board, teachers, staff, and parents working together to provide a unified atmosphere of learning for the students. Uniting groups and discipline are his strengths, said Mr. Bootz, and they are needed at the Island school.

"We've got some problems," said the Mackinaw City resident, "but I don't think they are anything we can't overcome."

Mr. Bootz does not waste words, is quick to speak his mind, and likes a challenge. He is enthusiastic about his role at the Island school.

He was so eager t o get started in the position and to meet students, teachers, and staff, he began work Monday, September 28, two days after he was offered the temporary post and even before the school board's negotiating committee had time to discuss his compensation package.

By the end of his second day on the job last Tuesday, he already had attended a volleyball game, a soccer match, and was working with a teacher who had sought his advice about a student discipline problem.

"If you get a group of rowdies like that right there, the teacher has got a handful, got a real handful," he said. "So we have to get together and say, 'That's not going to be tolerated.' If I have to suspend some kids, they're going to go. It's as simple as that."

Disruptive students prevent others from learning, he said, and that is something he will not tolerate.

"If you don't want to be here, hit the sidewalk," said Mr. Bootz, although he is quick to add he would like to work with parents to get a child back on track.

His first concern is to provide a safe learning environment in the classroom for students, he said, and he will strive for teamwork among students, teachers, and parents. He expects the students to follow rules and show respect to teachers and staff. He expects teachers to provide great instruction in the classroom, and to dress and act professionally. He expects parents to work with him.

"Let's start now," he said. "Let's get together and all pull in the same direction. If we stick together, we can make it happen and it won't take long, but I have to have an effort from everybody."

Mr. Bootz will be paid $475 for each day he is at the school. In addition, his compensation package will cover daily commuter costs and any overnight stays on the Island, which are planned to include nights of school board meetings and special school events. He will not receive medical insurance, sick days, vacation days, or other benefits.

The compensation package was approved during a special school board meeting Thursday, October 1. Mr. Bootz did not attend the meeting.

Ben Mosley, school board president, said the per diem pay offered by the board was slightly less than average, which is about $520, with some school districts paying up to $700 per day for an interim superintendent.

Meeting one week earlier, Thursday, September 24, the school board agreed to hire Mr. Bootz, knowing he only would be available through December. His last day could come as early as mid-month, when students begin their Christmas vacation.

The board plans to have the superintendent position filled with a fulltime person when classes begin in January.

Creating a cohesive atmosphere and handling discipline issues are not new to Mr. Bootz, who has 21 years of experience as a superintendent. He has five years of teaching experience, has been a coach, athletic director, and principal. He is a member of the Mackinaw City Board of Education. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Superior State University and a master's degree and a specialist degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University. His son, Nathan, is the superintendent at Rudyard Area Schools, and his brother is a superintendent in lower Michigan.

In addition to day-to-day school operations, Mr. Bootz already has major projects to complete, he said, and all are top priorities. Teachers, he said, are working without a contract and he will be assisting the board with negotiations. Their contract expired June 30. The support staff also does not have contracts in place.

The school budget needs work and he is reviewing legal documents regarding the possible refinancing of the bond, which could result in a savings to the school. He also is willing to screen potential candidates to help the board fill the superintendent position.

"I'll put in considerable time," he said, "because the staff, community, and the kids deserve it."