Interim Sartell-St. Stephen Superintendent Ready to Begin School Year [VIDEO]

SARTELL -- As Sartell-St. Stephen students head to their first day of school today (Tuesday), the district's new interim superintendent begins his first academic year.

Mike Spanier was selected by the school board in July to be the interim superintendent of Sartell-St. Stephen for the 2013-14 school year, after the previous superintendent Joe Hill resigned.

"It was late in the summer, and the board asked me to stay on for a period of time until they hired a new superintendent."

It's expected to be a one-year assignment for Spanier. He says, while he has added a lot on his plate, the transition has been easy.

"First of all, I have enjoyed the transition because we have a tremendous staff and community. However, I've had to deal with things that I never thought I would have."

Along with balancing the job as superintendent and his family, Spanier is also an NFL official, making his weeks very busy.

"People look at that and say wow how does he do it, and I guess for me it's just the way I do things."

Being superintendent of a school wasn't something Spanier ever thought about, but he says he is happy to be a part of this great tradition.

"Our citizens, employees, and students know what Sabre Pride is all about and I am happy to be a part of that."

The district has a search underway, with the hope of having someone hired in time for next school year.