Positive Highlights this Spring

The District has made some changes to its administrative duties in anticipation of the next school year. Mr. Burdorf, the current principal of the JK-8, will be the Middle School principal; similarly, Mr. Newberg, the current JK-8 Assistant Principal, will become the elementary principal. While they will each have some different responsibilities, they have led the school together for several years. The announcement was well received by the staff. Their collaborative experience, along with their knowledge of the students, families, and staff, will lead to a smooth transition in leadership.

You may have noted on KMA that Skip Eckhardt has been hired as our new head football coach and High School Physical Education teacher. He has a long history of success on the football field, developing teams and leading them to the playoffs and beyond. He has also been a Talented and Gifted Teacher and Physical Education teacher. He also teaches coaching classes at the University of Northern Iowa. I have had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Eckhardt in formal and informal settings. He is passionate about youth and believes in their potential, growth, and capacity to become strong athletes and good citizens. I am excited to have him join our staff and become part of our learning community.

I mentioned a few months ago the anticipated increase in minimum teacher salaries, which the Iowa Code now requires. While it has been difficult to implement and fund the changes, I am very pleased that the Board negotiations team could work with the Shenandoah Education Association to agree on how to implement the new minimums and consider how best to support our unaffected staff. I believe that it was good and right to engage in this work.

At their banquet this year, the Shenandoah Iowa Education Foundation honored seven members of our staff. Dustin Comstock, Brenda Hargis, Teresa Hughes, Pam Nebel, and Grant Staats each received the Spirit Award, nominated by their peers for their positive contribution to the culture and climate of our schools. Jenny Stephens and Jennifer Housman were also recognized for serving 25 years in public education. It was great to see our staff members honored; each deserves recognition.

The Shenandoah Iowa Education Foundation recently committed to funding new seating in the High School auditorium and continues to fund extended learning opportunities for our students. They recently provided grant funding to bring Omaha Street Percussion to our schools, which was a fantastic learning experience for our students and a lot of fun. As my daughter said, "I was dancing!"  Learning can and should be a joyful experience. I am thankful for the Shenandoah Iowa Education Foundation's support in providing opportunities for our students.