District 50 seventh-grader gets education as superintendent for a day

Instead of working on daily lessons, Woodland Middle School seventh grade student Bradley Wilinski got an education with a different view Tuesday as he served as Woodland Elementary District 50's "Superintendent for a Day."

The day included shadowing Superintendent Joy A. Swoboda, touring schools in the district and visiting with former teachers

"I'm looking forward to spending the day with Bradley and giving him a unique look at Woodland," Swoboda said.

The Superintendent for a Day event was made possible through the Woodland Educational Foundation's benefit auction, Woodland Wishes, in April 2013. Parents and community members raised more than $15,000 at the event. The next Woodland Wishes benefit auction is April 12.

Wilinski's day began touring the district Educational Support Center with Swoboda, then it was off to visit with his former teachers at Elementary East, Elementary West and Primary, and speak to their classes.

"When I first saw Bradley, he looked so mature and grown up," said his former fourth grade teacher, Katie Herren. "He was always really curious and interested in learning. I know he will go far and become really successful."

One of the items on his Tuesday check list was to see the teachers' lounges. So what impressed him the most there? "Lots of snacks," Wilinski said.

He said one of his first duties if he were to become superintendent would be to abolish weekend homework, "so I can enjoy the weekend and not come home to more work."

When asked if he would like to be a school superintendent some day, Wilinski quipped, "It's fun for a day, but what I really want to do is own a clothing store."