First and foremost in many people’s minds about the new superintendent at Sleepy Eye Public School is this: “How do you pronounce his last name?” 

John Cselovszki laughed when asked the question. Then he provided a nifty little hint that will make “Cselovszki” pronounceable for anyone.

While working in Nicollet, a colleague offered a pronunciation of his name as a means to counteract Cselovszki’s Type A personality. The colleague said he needed to “chill out.” 

“Chill-out-ski,” he said. “If you say it very fast, it is very close to the correct way to say my name.” 

A self-described “Type A,” Cselovszki enjoys the challenge of constantly being busy. Multi-tasking is his way of life. Cselovszki said he is always on the go. 

In his new position as both superintendent and elementary principal, Cselovszki’s days will be full. Less than two weeks into the job, he is already tackling issues that need to be dealt with. Tonight (Thursday). Cselovszki will attend his  first school board meeting as district superintendent.

Prior to being hired at Sleepy Eye, Cselovszki was superintendent and elementary principal for seven years at the Round Lake/Brewster school district.   

Cselovszki’s decision to apply for the superintendent position at Sleepy Eye Public School lay in the fact that he was looking to move up to a larger school district in a town that offered a variety of community and civic volunteer opportunities. “I was looking for a school district that fit my philosophy and hoped for a mutual fit,” he explained. 

“Sleepy Eye was the only place I applied to,” he added. 

Cselovszki said he plans to be very active within the community. “My business and personal interest is in economic development,” he explained, adding that he hopes to join the Lions Club and other community-minded organizations.

Cselovszki’s wife, Becky, is the superintendent at the Heron Lake/Okabena school district. Their three daughters, Cassie (a high school junior), Tia (freshman) and McKenzie (fourth grade), will be enrolled at Sleepy Eye for the coming school year. 

As a family, the Cselovszkis are active in sports and community. “The best times are going to my kids’ games,” he said. “I love athletic events.”

As superintendent, Cselovszki is looking to promote the school district in a positive way, while informing the public about happenings at the school. “I will work to bring the school district together,” Cselovszki said. 

“Administration, school board, teachers, paras, all staff. We are all here for the same cause - the students.” 

The financial issues within the district will pose a particular challenge. “Financially, school districts have had hard times in the past few years,” Cselovszki said. “These are tough times we have all had to share.” 

As a person working closely with others, Cselovszki said he is down to earth and easy to work with. “I am not afraid to talk to people.”