Shaker superintendent hits ground running

By GAIL OBER, LACONIA DAILY SUN

BELMONT — It's been a three-day whirlwind for new Shaker Regional Shaker Superintendent Michael Tursi, who officially took over the helm on Friday.

From meeting all of the building principals, to getting to know the employees in the SAU office to learning what plans are already in place, he said he spent most of his time so far just learning who is who and where things are.

"I just introduce myself to everyone I see," he said, identifying that as his best way of learning about his new district.

"I like people," is what Tursi said at a meet-and-greet in the Belmont High School cafeteria this spring shortly after he was named interim superintendent.

He said he likes to be out and about in his school district and while people can rarely find him at his desk, he said he's never more than a phone call away.

Tursi also said that he wants to establish a working relationship with the town's individual boards of selectmen and their teams of administrators as well as community leaders.

"We are all part of the same team," he said. "These are the people in the district with knowledge and who are committed to making their towns and this school district work."

One of the things that excite him the most is student initiative, something he has heard is in abundance at the Shaker Regional School District.

Over the summer, Tursi said he is digesting local statistics, evaluating and getting to know Shaker's individual projects, and getting to meet other area superintendents and learn more about the Huot Technical Center.

"I am a big supporter of technical education," he said. "I'm excited to be here."

Superintendent Michael Tursi poses next to the sign that welcomes people to the Shaker Regional School District Office. (Gail Ober/Laconia Daily Sun)