NORTHWOOD, Iowa – Arnie Snook is anxious to try his hand at leading a district, and he thinks he’s found the perfect venue in Northwood-Kensett Community Schools.

Friday, April 27, 2001

NORTHWOOD, Iowa – Arnie Snook is anxious to try his hand at leading a district, and he thinks he’s found the perfect venue in Northwood-Kensett Community Schools.

Snook, currently a middle school principal in Wauton, did not hesitate to accept the job when it was offered earlier this month.

&uot;I had no doubts in my mind,&uot; he said. &uot;I was absolutely sure that Northwood-Kensett was a perfect fit for me.&uot;

Snook said he’s particularly excited about the district’s excellent facilities and infrastructure, a good reflection of the community’s support of it’s school system.

&uot;Northwood-Kensett has an excellent reputation in the state, which is one of the reasons I jumped at it when I learned about the position,&uot; Snook said. &uot;My wife and I were so excited when I was offered the job.&uot;

N-K will be Snook’s first superintendent position. He began his career almost 30 years ago as a teacher and coach at a high school in Illinois. Even then, he had dreams to lead a district one day, he said.

&uot;It’s the ultimate challenge, especially in today’s education environment. Rural school have quite a challenge ahead of them,&uot; Snook said.

Having less daily involvement with students will be his biggest adjustment, Snook said. But he plans to make time to personally introduce himself to as many students as possible.

&uot;I’ll try to be visible to students – I don’t think I can give that up,&uot; he said. &uot;But, at the same time, I know my duties won’t allow as much interaction.&uot;

Snook, who recently purchased a house on Northwood’s south side, will take over the post from Jerry McIntire who concludes 10 years as the district’s superintendent at the end of June.

&uot;I look forward to talking to Jerry about his thoughts on the district,&uot; Snook said. &uot;He’ll be an excellent resource.&uot;

McIntire will retain his home in Northwood, and said he won’t meddle in Snook’s new position.

&uot;Coming from within the state, he’s already familiar with the rules and regulations. I’ll be at his disposal if he needs me, but I plan to stay out of his way,&uot; McIntire said.

Snook’s contract begins July 1, but Northwood’s residents may see him running and biking around town before then.

&uot;We plan to spend some time in town before my job begins,&uot; said Snook. &uot;I’ll be running my three or four miles a day to get to know the neighborhoods.&uot;