St. Michael-Albertville School District, Friends Thank Dr. Marcia Ziegler

It certainly didn't feel like a "good bye." In fact, in the end, it was more of a "See you later!"

St. Michael-Albertville administrators, teachers and friends held a retirement ceremony for Dr. Marcia Ziegler Sunday afternoon, thanking the superintendent for her 10 years of leadership. 

Ziegler will step aside to make way for Dr. Jim Behle next year. Her final day is June 30. 

But, in the end, it's more of a "See you later." Ziegler will stay on in a consultant role, advising the district's leadership as the transition continues over the next school year.

"It's been very difficult to make the decision because we're such a family," Ziegler said, referring to school district staff and her administration team at each building. "But I've always though you should get out while you were still doing a good job, not when everyone's ready for you to go." 

Ziegler is widely credited for managing the huge boom of enrollment St. Michael-Albertville saw through the 2000s, building St. Michael-Albertville High School, both current middle schools and two elementary schools (Fieldstone and Big Woods) with the school board and public's help. 

"That has been the biggest change, of course. But I think we've struck a good balance with the traditions we've had in place and the new ideas. We've all had such a common goal of pushing toward a higher level of academic excellence. And that's been everyone across the district. People want the schools to be a source of pride in the community," she said. 

An educator since she was 21, Ziegler made her way to the administrative level in Annandale, before coming to St. Michael. She became superintendent 10 years ago. 

"She's been one of the best things ever for this district," said board member Jeanne Holland, who's in her third term. "I think she's really made it a point to get involved, to get out and interact with the public any way she can. She knows that is a huge piece of it, getting that community support. It's going to be very hard to see her go."

Dr. Jim Behle, the current superintendent-elect, will take the reins in July. He said the transition is going "very well." He also hinted that Ziegler would stay on in some sort of supportive role, something she confirmed. 

"Whatever they want me to come in and take care of, I'd be happy to help. This district, for our size, is so short on personnel," she said.