By all accounts, it looks like the Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education got a good one in its hiring of Zach Sedgwick as permanent superintendent of schools.

The panel elevated Sedgwick in the position permanently Monday, after he took over from Bill Saunders on an interim basis several months ago.

Sedgwick comes to the superintendent’s position well seasoned, after spending the past 14 years at MAPS, he has served at Marquette Senior High School, Bothwell Middle School and Superior Hills Elementary School.

And that’s a good thing because he has his work cut out for him.

Start with the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the basic dynamic of learning. Then, include pressures from budgets, personnel issues and enrollment. Now, layer in the always-important issue of campus safety.

For his part, the new superintendent seems to recognize the challenges before him.

“The impact of COVID-19 on the academic, social and emotional learning of our students is real, and also closely aligned with a plan I feel is perfect for this moment in time — namely, MAPS’ goal of implementing a more robust multi-tiered system of support,” Sedgwick said. “This effort closely parallels the intent of our newest cycle of strategic planning, set to begin this spring and continue through 2025.”

We welcome Superintendent Sedgwick to his new position and wish him the best of good fortune going forward.