OUR EYE ON EDUCATION – USD 423 SUPERINTENDENT CLARK WEDEL
By Staff
(Clark Wedel began as ‘interim’ Superintendent for Moundridge USD 423 on July 1, 2026)
It is ‘hello, it is me again’ for Clark Wedel as the former long term principal of Moundridge Senior High School has returned to USD 423 to serve as the interim Superintendent, replacing Cody Rierson who left to run USD 418 in McPherson.
From 2005 – 2015, Wedel took care of Moundridge Senior High School before moving on to Haven, USD 312, to be their Superintendent for seven years.
Moundridge is where the Wedel family graduated all three of their now adult children, so he is familiar with the community not just as a former school administrator, but also as father of Wildcat children.
With over 30 years of service in education, Wedel spent 11 years in several school districts before serving a year as an assistant principal of Galena High School followed by six years as an assistant principal and activities director of Halstead High School.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in education at Emporia State University, Wedel continued working on and gaining his master’s from Wichita State University where he also earned his District Level Leadership Endorsement.
“I am still working to develop positive working relationships and learning about the current culture and climate of USD 423,” noted Wedel when asked about his first month on the job. “As an interim position, I am just bringing stability to the district for a couple of years and help keep them moving forward in a positive direction. I am looking forward to collaborating with the school board and staff to keep the current positive momentum of the district moving forward.”
When asked what his favorite things may be to do or get done as the Superintendent, Wedel noted several items including building relationships with the staff, patrons and most of all the students. He also is looking forward to providing, as needed, support to the district staff while being an active participant at all school board meetings.
One other favorite thing Wedel is looking forward to is attending the many district activity programs, whether it be some sporting event or maybe a musical concert, or it could just be an elementary school open house. He is hoping to make or attend as many as possible.
Asked about what the key areas for which his job position will cover regarding the operations of USD 423, Wedel carefully explained it came down to three key areas: fiscal responsibility; liaison between the school board and the district itself; and to provide oversight of the district’s day to day operations.
Wedel did not shy away when questioned if there would be any difficult or frustrating aspects to his position as interim superintendent, as he responded by saying, “It is challenging to problem solve all of the challenges that come up at the district level. Sometimes the answers are complex and can affect people differently with some being a positive affect and some may turn out to be a negative effect. That is just the way it will be.”
In concluding our short question and answer time, Wedel added, “I am a career educator and have broad experience with all the positions I have held through 36 years of serving various districts in a variety of capacities. I value the people that I work with and love the relationships that I continue to build with them.”
So, hello again Clark Wedel – welcome back to Moundridge USD 423.
(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)
Comments