GROVE CITY -- After serving three years as a school board member, Dan Tait is now working as business manager for the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School District.
Tait, who submitted his resignation to the board earlier this month, began his new job in the district office Tuesday.
In preparation for the upcoming retirement of Connie Dallmann, who's worked in the district for 43 years, the school board had been looking for a replacement.
Tait, who previously worked for Sparboe Farms Inc. in Litchfield, said he decided to apply for the job "after the fourth person asked me if I was going to."
The school board was not involved with interviewing candidates for the job, said Tait. When he became aware that he was the candidate being recommended for the job, Tait submitted his resignation during a board meeting. He said he then took a seat in the audience and the board voted unanimously to hire him.
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Even though school finances are complex Tait said he is "up to the task" of guiding the district through challenging financial times. While serving on the school board he saw voters defeat, and finally approve, an operating levy that helped get the district out of statutory operating debt.
Tait is doing some on-the-job training with Dallmann, who said she intends to gradually reduce her days on the job before retiring this spring and turning the job entirely over to Tait. This week Tait will also undergo training with the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials.
"He'll do fine," said Dallmann, who praised Tait for the credibility and respect he has in the community and his ability to communicate with the public. The mechanics of the job can be taught, said Dallmann, but having a good personality is "key" to the jobs.
Tait said his reasons for wanting to work in the school district are the same reasons why he ran for the school board -- he wanted to make a difference.
Nodding her head in agreement, Dallmann said both jobs are "all about the kids."
Tait graduated from Atwater High School in 1984, before the merger that created the ACGC district. His two daughters attend ACGC.
The school board will be seeking interested residents to fill Tait's remaining term on the board.
