Celebrating 27 Years of Service: Schnieder’s Impact on ISD 518 Board of Education

WORTHINGTON — Stephen Schnieder believes his time in the Boy Scouts fueled his love for volunteering and commitment to service. This journey has shaped his life and career.

Last month, he celebrated 27 years on the ISD 518 Board of Education and 13 years on the Southwest-West Central Service Cooperative Board. His role involved representing local school districts in their efforts.

“Being in the Boy Scouts taught me the importance of giving back,” Schnieder shared. Growing up in Worthington, he worked as an engineer for Nobles County and served as the Public Works Director, which motivated him to stay active in the community.

“I sought out ways to be involved, whether through the Optimist Club or the Kiwanis Club,” he said. When an opening on the school board arose, a friend nudged him to run. “I was lucky to get elected,” he added. That nudge came from Pat Morphew, an accountant at ISD 518.

Schnieder started his board term in 1998. He never planned to serve for nearly three decades but saw important tasks needing completion. His own children went through the school system, making his role even more meaningful.

“With my experience, I felt I could help get important projects done,” he explained. He highlighted ongoing needs at Worthington High School that motivated him to remain involved.

Throughout his long service, he experienced many joyful moments. A standout memory for Schnieder was handing out diplomas to his three children during graduation.

Over the years, he witnessed significant growth in ISD 518, including increased enrollment, new staff, and improvements to school facilities. “Our district has always been financially strong,” he remarked. “We’ve laid the groundwork for the future.”

He expressed pride in the changes, like the relocation of Community Education, which he called “a very good thing.”

“I enjoyed being involved in the school district and community,” Schnieder reflected. “I appreciate the public letting me represent them for 27 years.”

— Steve Schnieder

However, Schnieder’s long tenure wasn’t without challenges. He faced tough budget cuts and difficult discussions about how to support every program without disrupting the system. “One small change can lead to a chain reaction,” he noted.

Drawing from his years of experience, he shared advice for new board members. “You have to be ready to make decisions,” he said. He believed that many community members would reach the same conclusions if they had access to the same information he did.

He emphasized the importance of having a long-term vision, especially regarding student services and non-English speaking opportunities. Listening to the community was also essential, he stressed, reminding that issues can often appear larger than they are.

Schnieder felt surprised by the recent election results but took it in stride. He had considered stepping down in past years but made himself available when needed. “I think we had good candidates elected, and I’m confident they’ll represent the community well,” he said.

Even though he’s no longer on the board, Schnieder plans to stay connected with local affairs. He remains involved with community organizations and continues to work part-time as an engineer for the City of Worthington.

“I enjoyed my time serving,” he concluded. “I’m grateful to the public for their trust over the years.”