After a vigorous interview process, the Cascade Union Elementary School District has offered a contract to their top candidate for new superintendent. Mike Michelon of Dunsmuir, said John Almond the interim superintendent for Cascade. If Michelon signs the contract he will take over the school district at the end of April.

Michelon, 52, has experience running school districts. He is currently the superintendent in four of the Dunsmuir area school districts- Dunsmuir Union Elementary School District, Grenada Elementary School District, Hornbrook Elementary School District, and McCloud Elementary School District.

According to Michelon, the reason why he applied for the job in Cascade is simple, "everyone I talked to, whether they worked in the district or had kids go through the district, had a lot of positive things to say. They said the focus was always on the kids. They also shared that there is a great staff, lots of parent involvement and community support."

"I think that what most impressed the staff on the interview panel and members of the board was Mr. Michelon's obvious concern for students. He is very knowledgeable about the needs of our teachers and staff who work in elementary settings," said Jeff Carr, a Cascade board member, in an email.

The six schools Michelon currently oversees are all K-8 schools and have Academic Performance Index numbers ranging from 692-805.

Michelon said that the financial situation with the "unprecedented budget cuts" is going to be a challenge, especially with deferrals to revenues, which make cash flow "a real challenge."

According to Michelon, he is looking forward to meeting all of the people he will be working with and "getting to work to continue the great things happening in the district." He added that he is also looking forward to going to each school site and meeting the kids.

"They are what really motivate me to make sure we do our best for them every day," said Michelon.

According to Carr, Michelon "came recommended as a person of integrity," which matched the board's view of him during the hiring process. Carr said they are looking forward to Michelon's leadership in the district and feel that with his experience and the staff at Cascade, the district will continue to be a "stable and excellent education provider."

Not only does he manage four school districts, but he and his wife also own the 104-year-old Weed Bakery in Weed.

"My wife Margie and myself, along with my daughter and son in law, Marlena and Kevin Shaffer (and my two granddaughters, Kiley and Katie) own the Weed Bakery," said Michelon. "It has been in existence since 1906 and is one of the original businesses in Weed. The bakery specializes in sweet French bread, but also has other kinds of bread including sourdough, wheat, jalapeno cheese and foccacia. We also have donuts, soft biscotti, cookies, soup and Panini sandwiches. Our bread is baked in a brick oven that is 16' X 16'."

The business is doing well and the bakery's products are sold in almost every market in Siskiyou County.