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WALKERVILLE — Students at Walkerville Public Schools will begin the new school year with a new principal.
John Oleson, an educator from New Underwood, S.D., was hired July 30 as Walkerville’s principal.
He replaces Joe Conkle, who accepted an administrative position at the Newaygo County Career Tech Center, which is closer to his home in Hesperia. Conkle served as superintendent/principal for three years.
Retired Pentwater Superintendent Scott Karaptian is presently serving as Walkerville’s interim superintendent..
“John is new to Michigan, but not small, rural K-12 schools, having completed his second year as assistant principal at a school on the outskirts of Rapid City with about the same student enrollment as ours,” states a press release published on the school’s website.
“He taught fifth grade at the school for five years before becoming an administrator and his youngest child, Annalise, 19, graduated from there.”
“The big difference between the two schools is that in New Underwood, most of the families were involved in ranching, and here they are involved with farming,” Oleson said.
“He was raised in Wyoming and spent much of his adult life in South Dakota in various management positions before becoming a surgical technician at an eye institute,” states the school website.
“Later in his career, he decided to become a teacher because he enjoyed mentoring children while coaching youth sports and teaching catechism.
“John also sought the same work schedule as his wife, Alice, then a K-3 music teacher in Box Elder.”
Oleson has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
“About three years ago, the Olesons’ oldest child, Zachary, 31, and wife Ashten decided to move their young family to west Michigan to be near Ashten’s parents in Shelby, and her grandparents, Charlie and Evelyn Gordon of Walkerville.”
“Alice and I made eight visits to Michigan to see the kids and grandkids the first two years they were here and really liked the strong sense of community and how friendly people are,” he said. “Alice had retired after 35 years in education, our kids had launched, and we were sitting in a house that was now more than we needed. So, we thought it’d be a great time to move to Michigan.”
“In July, the couple purchased a house in Hart and set a goal of spending time each week on one of the beautiful beaches in the area. They also enjoy taking rides in their side-by-side off-road vehicle, hiking, and picnicking. John also enjoys woodworking.
“John said he moved to Michigan expecting to be hired by our district as a student support specialist. However, soon after his arrival, he was asked to consider becoming principal with Joe’s departure.”
“This was a surprise,” he said, “but I‘m a believer that everything happens for a purpose and this is the path I’m on now. I feel ready for this challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”
“Alice and John are hopeful that their daughter Morghan, an elementary school teacher who taught fourth grade at New Underwood when John was teaching fifth, will relocate with her fiance to Grand Rapids from when he finishes his doctorate degree in occupational therapy. They currently live in Rochester, Minnesota.”
“I’m eager to get the 2026-2027 school year underway and continue teaming up with Dr. Scott Karaptian, our interim superintendent, our wonderful staff, and YOU to make this an enriching year of learning for all our students,” Oleson states in the school’s newsletter.
A back-to-school open house is set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5-7 p.m. and includes a free hot dog supper. The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 31, and it is a half day.
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