Malta Schools Welcomes New Superintendent

Steve Bucks has made some miles in his career in teaching. He was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and has been to Texas, Minnesota, and South Dakota before entering the Home of the Mustangs as the new Superintendent of Schools.

He is starting his 27th year in the field of education this fall and this career is just a bit off of the career in aviation he had planned to pursue.

One of the earliest things he learned was that rarely will one find faculty wearing anything "red" as he quickly learned of the rivalry associated with the color.

Supt. Bucks and his wife, Dawn, have four children. An older son and daughter are grown and both live in ND, their son, Jonah is a junior in Malta High School this year, and daughter, Kinsley, is a fifth grader at the Elementary School.

There is a saying that behind every man is a good woman, and Supt. Bucks openly shared that Mrs. Bucks is his "biggest cheerleader" and is always there for support, encouragement and cultivating self-confidence in him. He stated he had an interest in administration from the assistant end of things but never the 'head cheese'; however, Mrs. Bucks told him if he wanted the career of administration, "go after it!" so, after more years of education and administrative classes, he finished his Masters and now has her to thank.

Mrs. Bucks teaches school in Dodson this year, teaching a combination class of grades three and four. This is her first year in her career of not teaching Special Ed classes.

He said when he took on the position at Lemmon, SD; "it was a difficult climate, bumpy...a tough go." During his administration a high school was built onto an existing armory, adding grades six through twelve. The addition was a cost saving decision, which came with emotional attachments, hearing more than once, "...we've always done it this way and we used to do it this way!" Some comments, he said, were valid arguments.

One of the issues that administration can be faced with is working with families and students in crisis and suicide matters. He is a strong supporter in partnering with law enforcement and local groups to be a support in these situations.

Supt. Bucks said the community has been very welcoming. All other teaching positions have had out-of-town housing available, "We're not town people though...the dogs can't run on their 13 acres anymore!" He stated they are adjusting.

"Being an educator is the greatest job ever and I still remain excited, despite the difficulties."

Well, perhaps the education aspect of his life is a "great" job, it probably has tougher competition now that he is a grandpa to a "perfect little bumpkin, Briar."