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Activities Director Mike Cunningham is departing North Branch Area Public Schools to become the Activities Director at Spring Lake Park High School.

Middle school/Sunrise River School asst. principal Todd VanErp has graciously offered to fill this urgent need. VanErp will be an assistant principal on special assignment in charge of activities as of Tuesday, Aug. 31. VanErp will also assume Cunningham's teacher observation duties.

VanErp is well-suited to the role, having served as Activities Director at New York Mills school district for three years from 1996-1999.

VanErp has also been a coach and has good working relationships with many of the current coaches at NBAPS already. Given the urgency of the situation, with school starting in two weeks, retired Activities Director Becky Leuer will assist VanErp with the transition.

The past high school principal Brad Windschill who stepped down recently, will assist at the middle school and Sunrise River School until a suitable replacement for VanErp can be found. The asst. principal position was be posted Aug. 25 and the posting period will end Sept. 17.

VanErp will continue to be on special assignment in charge of activities until further notice. "I just need to wrap my head around the activities department and fill this role as long as it's needed," VanErp said.

"We were very fortunate to have Todd step forward and fill this need," said Superintendent Deb Henton. "Many activities are already underway with many more starting shortly. Todd saw our need and did what needed to be done for the students of our district."

Former AD Cunningham couldn't be reach for comment.

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