Mitch Kubicek plans to take what he’s learned in previous positions in order to serve the Milford Public School district better.
Kubicek is the new superintendent at Milford, taking the place held by Kevin Wingard who retired at the end of June. Kubicek had served as the district’s curriculum director.
“My goal is to continue to serve the district and families of the community,” he said.
He said he has had some great mentors during his time in education, especially at Milford, and listed Wingard, TJ Meyer and Dr. Mark Olson. For example, Meyer taught him that education is “a people business,” he said.
This is not Kubicek’s first time behind the superintendent’s desk. He served in that role at Dorchester before coming to Milford.
“I care deeply about kids,” he said. “I want to work hard and get better, show grace and forgiveness and advocate for those who are unable to.”
Making sure the students have a variety of opportunities is key, he said.
“This is their future,” he said. “It’s always about the kids.”
The district has great relationships with its families, and Kubicek plans to continue to maintain and improve them.
One area school superintendents are deeply involved with is the district’s budget. Kubicek said he wants to “be fiscally responsible and provide high quality education and opportunities for students.”
Kubicek said one of his strengths is not being afraid to ask questions.
“I try to find experts and learn from them,” he said.
Among them are researchers who share more effective ways to teach. As a former teacher himself, Kubicek is always looking for ways to improve in the classroom.
He described himself as a systems person.
“What are the systems to support the students, families, staff?” Kubicek said.
His goals for the 2024-25 school year include continuing to build partnerships, strengthening the one with Southeast Community College. For example, this past year, Milford was able to offer a welding certificate through SCC.
Kubicek said officials from both schools are looking at other opportunities that could be offered, including drone certification. Some MPS staff members are already certified to fly drones, and Kubicek said they’ll look at ways to offer that to students.
One of the highlights of Milford High School is the success its student organizations like ProStart and Future Business Leaders of America have had. The high school chapter members have opportunities to see skills they learn in action at the professional level.
At the elementary level, the district continues strong literacy instruction across all disciplines. Reading, math and writing provide a strong foundation for future success, Kubicek said.
The district and Kubicek will face challenges, including state funding. Milford lost a significant amount of state aid for the 2024-25 school year, and that shifts more funding to property taxes. Kubicek is keeping a close eye on the legislature’s special session which is focused on property tax relief.
“The special session will have a direct impact,” Kubicek said. “We want to keep our levy as low as we can.”
The statewide teacher shortage is another concern, although Milford has been fortunate, he said.
“We have a great staff. They work well together and support each other. People want to be a part of it,” he said.
The administrative team also works well together and solves problems together, he said.
This summer, the staff was encouraged to read “Focus” by Mike Schnoker. The book encourages educators to be clear on essentials. Those include:
• hat do we expect each student to learn and be able to do?
• ow will we know if each student is learning?
• ow will we respond if a student is not learning?
• ow will we extend learning for students?
• ow will we continuously refine our instructional practices?
• ow will we implement district-wide systems to support learning for all students?
“What are the main skills and knowledge they need to know?” Kubicek said.
This was an optional study, but the majority of teachers participated, he said.
The district’s theme, “Everyone has a story. Make yours worth telling” is constantly in front of the staff and helps focus decisions, Kubicek said.
“I am very proud to be part of Milford Public Schools because of the focus on the kids and find success,” he said.
