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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

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Job keeps Rusk building-hopping

By JODIE TWEED

Staff Writer

Sometimes there simply aren't enough hours in the day to handle the minute-by-minute needs that arise when you're in charge of 2,100 ninth- through 12th-graders, as well as school staff.

While life is busy for Andrea Rusk, she is learning not only how to divide her time as principal of not one, but two high school buildings in the Brainerd School District, and at the same time trying to personally get to know as many students as she can. She can often be spotted carrying her phone and walkie-talkie between class periods so staff members can reach her as she talks with students, clearing out congested areas and making sure they make it to class on time.

Rusk, a 1986 Milaca High School graduate, spent 14 years as a social studies teacher there before she was hired in Brainerd three years ago. She spent her first year as a BHS dean of students and the past two years as assistant principal before she was hired in late July as principal.

Andrea Rusk spoke with Brainerd High School seniors Becca Thompson (left) and Ashley Moe recently during lunch at the high school. This is Rusk's first year as principal at BHS and fourth year working at the high school.
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Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

Because of budget cuts, Rusk is the first principal in recent history to be responsible for both the ninth-grade students at BHS South Campus and the 10th- through 12th-graders at BHS. Nate Merseth, who previously worked as dean of students at Pillager High School, was hired as the ninth- through 12th-grade high school assistant principal with the focus of his work being at the ninth-grade building. Rusk and two deans of students, Josh Fordyce and John Jacobson, are primarily responsible for 10th- through 12th-graders at BHS, but Rusk tries to spend time at the ninth-grade building each day.

While driving to work recently, Rusk spotted a high school student smoking within the BHS school zone. She found him in the hallway before classes started to speak to him about the issue. When situations like this arise, Rusk has to swiftly prioritize the rest of her work schedule, whether she's answering staff e-mails, attending staff meetings or dealing with student conflicts.

"My days fly by," said Rusk. "I blink and all of a sudden, the day's done. No one has done this (having one principal responsible for two buildings), but I went in with my eyes open. Everyone has been asked to do more, including in this position. I enjoy the pace and no one day is the same. I enjoy seeing and being a part of a student's success."

Rusk's favorite part of her job is working with students, particularly those who are struggling, and also attending school extracurricular events, such as games or concerts.

"When people hear what I do, I get everything from groans to surprise," Rusk said of reactions to her working with teenagers. "But I like seeing them take some big steps of independence and I like talking to them in a somewhat adult conversation. At a time when they may be pulling away from parents, they do really need us. Our community needs to know that (teenagers) still need adults in their lives."

Rusk and her husband, Jeff, have two sons, Tate, 17, a BHS junior; and Jed, 13, a Forestview eighth-grader; and a daughter, Kennedy, 9, a Lowell fourth-grader. With three children involved with many sports, Rusk finds herself traveling often to hockey, football, baseball and softball games. She said she'd love to develop more personal hobbies but for right now, she's busy keeping up with her family.

Rusk said her job can be challenging for her children, who sometimes overhear negative comments from other students about her because of her position as principal.

"My family is so supportive of me," Rusk said. "I'm very fortunate. And I have a good supportive network of friends."

While in high school in Milaca, Rusk was active in both academics and athletics. She was involved in student council, choir and participated in three sports. She also worked part time at a local cafe while in high school. She said it's important for students to be involved in organizations while in high school - and they don't necessarily have to be involved in sports.

Rusk said beside balancing her duties between both buildings, her biggest goal this year is to maintain or increase students' academic performances on statewide tests, despite the program cuts and larger class sizes that were part of recent budget cuts.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.

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