Educator up for a challenge

ST. MARYS - Bill Steinbrunner loves a challenge.

It has led the 53-year-old down a career path and onto the waters of Grand Lake St. Marys, where he is learning how to sail. His wife, however, is a reluctant first mate.

"We got a small sailboat three years ago," Steinbrunner said. "We never did it before then. We had never been on a sailboat. We're not too good at it."

Steinbrunner said he likes not only the act of sailing but cleaning and puttering around the boat.

"The actual act is fun, quiet," Steinbrunner said. "You can hear the waves. You don't scare the birds, and it's a challenge. I learned you don't go sailing if you have to be home at a certain time. If the wind dies, you're stuck out there in the middle of the lake without much backup. We have a trolling motor.

"I tease my wife (Joan) about retiring and living on a sailboat full time. She just rolls her eyes. She doesn't like it that the deck doesn't stay level. It tilts."

Steinbrunner is the director of instruction for St. Marys schools, a job he has held since 2005. He is in charge of curriculum development and staff training.

Steinbrunner began his career in education as a science teacher after earning a degree in 1978 from Wright State University. He is a 1974 graduate of Coldwater High School. He earned a master's degree from the University of Dayton in 1985 and became the principal of Parkway School in 1999.

"I do miss being in the classroom," Steinbrunner said. "I miss the interaction with kids. I miss being a building principal, too. It would be an ideal retirement job for me. I like dealing with the discipline. I like working with kids who are upset and trying to find a way to get through to them. The intensity of the interaction is challenging and very rewarding."

Steinbrunner also rides a bike and is a member of Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure.

"We ride 300 miles in a week," Steinbrunner said. "It's a loop through various towns, and we camp along the way. I also ride my bike to work once in awhile. I tend to do that more and more often. It's 17 miles both ways."

Steinbrunner also likes to garden and do construction projects.

"We built our house 21 years ago," he said. "I did most of it."

The Steinbrunners live in Coldwater and have been married for 30 years. They have three children, Andy, 26, Sarah, 18, and Sam, 12.