The administrator of Dickinson's Hope Christian Academy is leaving at the end of his contract year on June 30.
Tim Privratsky also said this week his replacement is Ron Dazell, the current principal at Richardton-Taylor High School.
"I made the decision back in June this would be my final year as administrator at Hope Christian," said Privratsky. "I informed the board early enough to find a replacement and to be of assistance in the process."
"It was time for me to move on. I do not have definite plans. I'm waiting on the Lord to show me," he added.
Privratsky became the academy's administrator in 1996.
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"Back then, I felt this was a temporary position. The administrator resigned at that time and I was filling in for a year or two. I'm still here 11 years later," he said.
The current enrollment stands at 47 students in preschool through grade 8.
"This last year, we took a downturn, but every year prior we increased by one or two students," he said.
"I felt during that time I brought some stability and foundation to the school. I want to believe I've left the school in a good position for the person who will replace me," he said.
Privratsky will work with Dazell during the transition process.
"I feel we will have a smooth transition. I can leave here knowing the man that's coming in will continue to provide both academic and spiritual foundation for the kids that attend our school," he said.
A native of Stanley, Dazell graduated from Dickinson State University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in math education and a minor in computer science.
He worked as a math teacher and administrator at Johnson Corners Christian Academy at Keene for three years.
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His wife Debbie worked at Dickinson State University during that time. Wishing to reduce commuting time, Dazell applied for the opening as math teacher at Richardton-Taylor High School.
After three years of teaching math, the principal's position became available.
"This is my third year as principal. I'm still pursuing a master's degree through North Dakota State," Dazell said.
Dazell said Richardton is strong in math, science and technology. Parents can monitor their children's academic progress with the PowerSchool program on the Internet.
He said Richardton-Taylor students are very involved in extracurricular activities such as Student Congress, speech, music and drama, as well as the athletic programs.
"Right now, I'm high school principal and head wrestling coach. I started the program. We had our first state placewinner last year," he said.
Dazell said the decision to leave Richardton-Taylor was difficult.
"There are some wonderful Christian teachers in all the area schools who love the kids, who love the Lord. This is not a decision based on one school being better than another. Richardton has a lot of wonderful things to offer, which made the decision hard," he said.
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Dazell is a member of the Evangelical Bible Church, which provides facilities for the academy. He knew of Privratsky's decision to leave.
"With the schedule I have, I didn't have time to really be alone with my thoughts until Christmas break. I took time over the break to pray about it and spend time with my wife. We made the decision together," he said.
"We love Richardton, but we do love the community of Dickinson. We love our church family. And this also provides the opportunity for me to be with my kids during the day," he said.
Their daughters are ages 1 and 3, with the oldest turning 4 in time to enroll in preschool this fall.
"If you look at some decisions made over the past few years, they really revolve around our family," he said.
As a school administrator, he expects to provide the teachers with professional training and resources necessary to fill their mission as educators.
"My goal is to enable, equip and inspire my teachers so they can enable, equip and inspire their students," he said.
