ebook! new administrators · pdf filechris richards, elementary principal tim bolander,...
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Students, parents, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Great Prairie Area Education Agency are hereby noti-fied that this agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities. The agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices. Any person having inquiries concerning the agency’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title
VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), §504 or IOWA CODE §280.3 is directed to contact: Educational Equity/Sec-tion 504/Special Education Programming, Dr. Deb Cook, Regional Director, Great Prairie Area Education Agency, 103 South A Street, Albia,
IA 52531, 641-932-5003 x5801 or 800-622-0027 x5801; Educational Equity/MCGF/Title IX Gender Equity/Title VI Race and National Origin Equity/Title III ELL, Nathan Wood, Regional Director, Great Prairie Area Education Agency, 2814 North Court Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501, 641-682-8591 x5512 or 800-622-0027 x5512; Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Hiring and Employment Practices, Greg Manske, Human Resources Director, Great Prairie Area Education Agency, 3601 West Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601, 319-753-6561 x1217 or 800-382-8970 x1217 who have been designated by the agency to coordinate the agency’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI,
Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, §504 and IOWA CODE 280.3 (2007).
DATES TO REMEMBER
2014-2015Great Prairie AEA Superintendents Meetings
September 3, 2014
October 1, 2014
November 5, 2014
December 10, 2014
January 7, 2015
February 3 & 4, 2015 - Legislative Retreat
March 4, 2015
March 31 & April 1, 2015 - Superintendents Retreat (tentative)
May 6, 2015
Superintendents’ Advisory meetings will be scheduled for 8:45 a.m. prior to the 9:30 a.m.
regular meetings.
Mark your calendars!American Education Week
November 17-21, 2014
Follow GPAEA on Twitter! http://twitter.com/gpaea
Like GPAEA on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/gpaea
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www.gpaea.org
New Administrators2014-2015
Ottumwa Office2814 North Court Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501-1163800-622-0027 • 641-682-8591
FAX: 641-682-9083
Burlington Office3601 West Avenue
Burlington, IA 52601-9456800-382-8970 • 319-753-6561
FAX: 319-753-1527
Great Prairie is a Proud Member of Iowa’s AEAs.
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators1
Great Prairie AEA is made up of 33 local school districts and 6 approved private schools in the counties of Appanoose, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne.
Services offered by Great Prairie AEA are those that are provided most equitably, efficiently and economically on a regional or cooperative basis among school districts. Programs and services are focused on improving student performance. We are providing this special publication to aid and promote communication and collaboration between schools in our Area for ultimate student achievement.
Best wishes to these new administrators, as well as returning administrators and teachers, for a great 2014-2015 school year. If you would like additional copies of this publication, please contact:
Nancy BrownCommunications Specialist
Board Secretary/Administrative AssistantGreat Prairie Area Education Agency
2814 North Court StreetOttumwa, Iowa 52501-1163
641-682-8591 or 800-622-0027, ext. [email protected]
Jennifer WoodleyCommunications Specialist/
Administrative AssistantGreat Prairie Area Education Agency
3601 West AvenueBurlington, Iowa 52601-9456
319-753-6561 or 800-382-8970, ext. [email protected]
Great Prairie Area Education Agency improves teaching and learning by developing leaders, discovering solutions, and delivering services through collaboration with students, families, schools, and communities.
Our
Mission/
Morning SunDouglas Graber, Superintendent/Elementary
PrincipalJohn Kerr, Curriculum Director
Moulton-UdellBrian Vander Sluis, SuperintendentRandy Alger, Jr/Sr High School Principal/
Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director
Mount PleasantDr. Mike Wells, SuperintendentTodd Liechty, High School PrincipalMike Wilson, Associate High School PrincipalTrenton Keefer, Alternative School PrincipalJason Martinez, Middle School PrincipalMichael Gossen, Assistant Middle School
PrincipalDon LeBlanc, Elementary PrincipalPam Cushman, Elementary PrincipalJane Ragen, Elementary PrincipalDarren Hanna, Curriculum Director
New LondonSteve McAllister, SuperintendentScott Kracht, High School Principal/Middle
School PrincipalTodd Palmatier, Elementary PrincipalAllison Lair, Curriculum Director
North MahaskaRandy Moffit, Superintendent/ Curriculum DirectorDouglas Ray, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalAngela Livezey, Elementary Principal
OskaloosaRuss Reiter, SuperintendentStacy Bandy, High School PrincipalTim Scott, Assistant High School PrincipalTodd Warnecke, Alternative School CoordinatorAndy Hotek, Middle School PrincipalMark Scholes, Assistant Middle School
PrincipalMike Dursky, Elementary Principal (K-2)Jolene Liebl, Elementary Principal (K-2)Tim Veiseth, Elementary Principal (3-5)Mary Cooksley, Curriculum Director
OttumwaDr. Davis Eidahl, Superintendent/Curriculum
DirectorEric Sundermeyer, Associate Superintendent/
Curriculm DirectorMark Hanson, High School PrincipalScott Maas, Assistant High School PrincipalSteve Zimmerman, Assistant High School
PrincipalJohn Ohlinger, ACCA Principal
Missy Carson-Roark, Middle School PrincipalShelley Bramschreiber, Associate Middle
School PrincipalGary Gullion, Assistant Middle School PrincipalDerek Philips, Associate Elementary PrincipalJay Green, Elementary PrincipalJeff Hendred, Elementary PrincipalSarah McGlothlen, Elementary PrincipalDawn Sievertsen, Elementary PrincipalDana Warnecke, Elementary PrincipalJody Williams, Elementary PrincipalKarie Martindale, Early Childhood Director
PekinDennis Phelps, SuperintendentJoAnne Morenz, High School Principal/Middle
School Principal (MS-6-8)/Alternative School Principal/co-Curriculum Director
Kim Ledger, Elementary Principal (EL K-5)/co-Curriculm Director
SeymourBrad Breon, SuperintendentJamie Houser, Elementary Principal/ Jr/Sr High School PrincipalKay Singley, Curriculum Director
SigourneyDavid Harper, SuperintendentShannon Webb, Jr/Sr High School Principal/
Curriculum DirectorDeanna Hutchings, Elementary Principal/
Curriculum Director
Tri-CountyDennis Phelps, SuperintendentSandy Steinke, Jr/Sr High School Principal/
Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director
Van BurenDr. Pam Ewell, SuperintendentChuck Banks, High School Principal/Middle
School PrincipalBret Moews, Elementary PrincipalMary Dawn Schuck, Curriculum Director
WACODr. Darrell Smith, SuperintendentJeff Nance, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalVicki Reynolds, Elementary Principal/
Curriculum Director
WapelloMike Peterson, Superintendent/Curriculum
DirectorSteve Bohlen, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalBrett Nagle, Elementary Principal
WayneDave Daughton, SuperintendentStacy Snyder, Jr/Sr High School Principal/
Curriculum DirectorAndrea McConahay, Alternative School
DirectorBoyd Sinclair, Elementary Principal/Curriculum
Director
West Burlington IndependentDavid Schmitt, SuperintendentBruce Snodgrass, Jr/Sr High School Principal/
Curriculum DirectorMike Jones, Assistant Jr/Sr High School
PrincipalDouglas Hinrichs, Elementary Principal/
Curriculum Director
Winfield-Mt. UnionLauni Dane, SuperintendentDave Edwards, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalGabe Wylder, Elementary Principal/Curriculum
Director
NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS
Burlington Notre DameBill Maupin, Jr/Sr High School/Elementary
Principal
Holy TrinityMichael Sheerin, Chief Administrator/Jr/Sr High
School/Elementary PrincipalAlesia Hassan, Early Childhood Director
Keokuk Catholic Laura Marsot, PrincipalSharon Kokemuller, Assistant Principal
MaharishiDr. Richard Beall, Head of Schools/PrincipalTimothy Walker, Dean of Boys SchoolLaurie Baumann, Dean of Girls SchoolLaura Bordow, Director of Lower School
Oskaloosa Christian SchoolDr. Bob Stouffer, Principal
Seton Catholic SchoolJulianne Gentz, Principal
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators18
AlbiaKevin Crall, SuperintendentRichard Montgomery, High School Principal/
Middle School Principal/(7-12) Curriculum Director
Keith Little, Assistant HS PrincipalBilly Strickler, (7-12) Assistant Principal/ Dean
of StudentsLarry Achenbach, Elementary PrincipalJoEllen Breon, (PK-6) Curriculum Director
BurlingtonPat Coen, SuperintendentTom Messinger, High School Principal/
Alternative School PrincipalMark Yeoman, Assistant High School PrincipalTim Goodwin, Associate Principal/Activities
DirectorBrian Johnson, Middle School PrincipalCasey O’Rourke, Assistant Middle School
PrincipalBrian Gravel, Middle School PrincipalMatthew Murray, Associate Middle School
PrincipalGeane Cleland, Elementary PrincipalChris Richards, Elementary PrincipalTim Bolander, Elementary PrincipalJoe Rector, Elementary PrincipalPhilip Noonan, Elementary PrincipalSharon Dentlinger, Curriculum Director
CardinalJoel Pedersen, SuperintendentJeremy Hissem, High School Principal/Middle
School PrincipalHeather Buckley, Elementary PrincipalCindy Shepherd, Curriculum Director
CentervilleTony Ryan, SuperintendentRoger Raum, High School Principal/Alternative
School PrincipalGreg Fisher, Assistant HS PrincipalBruce Karpen, Junior High School PrincipalDianne Fatka, Elementary PrincipalTerri Schofield, Elementary PrincipalRhonda Raskie, Curriculum Director
Central LeeJohn Henriksen, SuperintendentNicole Herdrich, High School PrincipalKim Ensminger, Middle School PrincipalHeather Fuger, Elementary PrincipalGary Steffensmeier, Curriculum Director
CharitonPaula Wright, SuperintendentTracy Hall, High School Principal/Alternative
School PrincipalTim Milledge, Assistant High School PrincipalAndrew Fuhs, Middle School PrincipalJamie Cranston Elementary PrincipalBeth Scott-Thomas, Elementary PrincipalKen Harrison, Curriculum Director
DanvilleGary DeLacy, SuperintendentTheresa Ritters, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalSteve Ita, Elementary PrincipalKaren Lampe, Curriculum Director
Davis CountyDan Maeder, Superintendent/Jeff Graves, High School Principal/Alternative
School PrincipalRichard Evans, Assistant High School PrincipalBrad Nelson, Middle School PrincipalJennifer Donels, Elementary PrincipalBecky Zesiger, Curriculum Director
Eddyville-Blakesburg-FremontDr. Dean Cook, SuperintendentDonna Keesling, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalCurt Johnson, Jr/Sr HS Dean of Students/
Activities DirectorChris Fenster, Elementary PrincipalSarah Tobiason, Assistant Elementary
PrincipalNatalie Probst, Curriculum Director
FairfieldDr. Laurie Noll, SuperintendentAaron Becker, High School Principal/
Alternative School PrincipalBrian Stone, Associate High School PrincipalLaura Atwood, Middle School PrincipalMatt Jones, Associate Middle School PrincipalJeff Eeling, Elementary PrincipalChuck Benge, Elementary PrincipalMarci Dunlap, Curriculum Director
Fort MadisonDr. Kenneth Marang, SuperintendentGreg Smith, High School PrincipalPatrick Lamb, Assistant High School PrincipalBrent Buttjer, Assistant High School PrincipalTina Turner, Alternative School DirectorTodd Dirth, Middle School PrincipalTracy Verbeke, Elementary PrincipalKent Bailey, Assistant Elementary PrincipalJanice Burch, Curriculum Director
HarmonyKerry Phillips, Superintendent/Elementary
Principal/Curriculum DirectorDavid Ross, Jr/Sr High School Principal
KeokukTim Hood, SuperintendentZach Wigle, High School Principal/Alternative
High School PrincipalBrad McCloskey, Assistant High School
PrincipalGary Benda, Middle School PrincipalJeremy Negus, Assistant Middle School
PrincipalRuss Derr, Elementary PrincipalDonna Tracy, Elementary PrincipalCorey St. John, Curriculum Director
KeotaMark Schneider, SuperintendentNathan Carlson, Jr/Sr High School
Principal/9-12 Dean of StudentsBeth McBride, Elementary Principal/Curriculum
Director
MediapolisGreg Ray, SuperintendentRoger Thornburg, High School Principal/
Middle School PrincipalMike Wolter, Activities DirectorDave Van Ness, Elementary PrincipalJohn Kerr, Curriculum Director
MoraviaBrad Breon, Superintendent/Elementary
PrincipalKathy Carr, Jr/Sr High School PrincipalKay Singley, Curriculum Director
2014
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Welcome New GPAEA Administrators17
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators2
Table of ContentsNew Administrators Albia.............................................................................................................................. Burlington..................................................................................................................... Burlington Notre Dame................................................................................................. Central Lee.................................................................................................................... Chariton......................................................................................................................... Davis County................................................................................................................. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont..................................................................................... Fairfield......................................................................................................................... Great Prairie AEA......................................................................................................... Holy Trinity................................................................................................................... Keota............................................................................................................................. Mediapolis..................................................................................................................... Morning Sun.................................................................................................................. Moulton-Udell............................................................................................................... Mount Pleasant.............................................................................................................. Oskaloosa...................................................................................................................... Oskaloosa Christian...................................................................................................... Ottumwa........................................................................................................................ Sigourney....................................................................................................................... Tri-County..................................................................................................................... Winfield-Mt. Union.......................................................................................................Other Administrative Changes............................................................................................Great Prairie AEA Administrators.......................................................................................Dates to Remember.............................................................................................................
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8-999
10101112121313141415161719
Billy Strickler is the new 7-12 Assistant Principal and Dean of Students in the Albia Junior/Senior High School. Mr. Strickler has a Bachelor’s Degree from William Penn University with a degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Reading and Special Education. His Master’s Degree is from Viterbo University in Educational Leadership with PK-12 Principal Licensure and Evaluator License.
He was previously in the Fairfield Community School District serving as a general education fourth grade teacher for the past eight years. Asked what his focus will be this year, Mr. Strickler shared that with being new to the district, his two main goals will focus on familiarizing himself with the district and all stakeholders, and improving student achievement in the Albia School District.
Billy Stricker7-12 Assistant Principal
& Dean of [email protected]
Pat Coen is the new Superintendent in the Burlington Community School District. He was formerly Superintendent in our Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District and began his new position inBurlington on July 1, 2014.Pat Coen
Superintendent319-753-6791
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators3
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators16
Other Great Prairie AEA Administrative Changes for 2014-2015
Albia Community Schools• Keith Little, Assistant Principal/Activities Director, formerly Dean of Students/Activities Director.• Richard Montgomery, 7-12 Principal, formerly School Administrator Manager.
Cardinal Community Schools• Heather Buckley, Elementary Principal, formerly Curriculum Director (Pekin/Cardinal).• Cindy Shepherd, Curriculum Director, formerly Elementary Principal.
Central Lee Community Schools• Nicole Hendrich, High School Principal, formerly Elementary Principal.• Heather Fuger, Elementary Principal, formerly Curriculm Director
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Schools• Chris Fenster, Eddyville, Blakesburg and Fremont Elementary Principal, formerly Eddyville Elementary
Principal.
Fairfield Schools• Chuck Benge, Pence Elementary Principal, formerly Middle School Associate Principal in the Burlington
School District.
Mount Pleasant Community Schools• Darren Hanna, Director of Curriculm and Technology, formerly Middle School Principal.• Mike Wells, Superintendent, will also serve as WisdomQuest Alternative HIgh School Principal.
Ottumwa Community Schools• Missy Carson-Roark, Evans Middle School Principal, formerly Liberty Elementary Principal.
Pekin Community Schools• Kim Ledger and JoAnne Morenz, will share the role of Curriculum Director in addition to their Principal
responsibilities.
Sharon Dentlinger, is the new Director of Curriculum in the Burlington School District. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Masters in English from Western Illinois University; a Masters in Educational Administration from Drake University; and her Superintendent’s Endorsement is from the University of Northern Iowa.
Ms. Dentlinger most recently served as Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of Sioux City. In her new position, she plans to learn the Burlington Community School System in order to understand strengths and prioritize needs.Sharon Dentlinger
Curriculum Director319-753-6791
BURLINGTONCommunity School District
ALBIACommunity School District
Disclaimer – Please note that those New Administrators featured in this booklet are those supplied by the local school districts. If you are new and not featured, we apologize for the omission and wish you the best in your new positions for 2014-2015.
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators15
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators4
Tim Goodwin is the new Associate Principal and Activities Director at Burlington High School. He has a BA and MS from Western Illinois University, Administrator Program through Viterbo, and his Superintendent certification through the University of Northern Iowa.
Most recently, Mr. Goodwin served for the past 8 years as Associate Principal/Activities Director in the Muscatine Community School District. His goal this year is to provide the best co-curricular experience for the kids at Burlington High School that he can!
Tim Goodwin
Associate Principal & Activities Director
319-753-2211tim.goodwin@
bcsds.org
Matthew Murray is the new Associate Principal at Aldo Leopold Middle School in the Burlington Community School District. His educational background includes: BA with Communications degree and an Education Degree from the University of Iowa, and a Masters of Education Administration from Western Illinois University.
For the past 17 years, Mr. Murray has served as a U.S. History/Sociology teacher in the Burlington District. His goal this year is to help create an outstanding learning environment for the students and staff at the Middle School. He plans to build strong associations between students, staff, parents and community.
Matthew MurrayAssociate Principal
319-752-8390matthew.murray@
bcsds.org
BURLINGTONCommunity School District
Casey O’Rourke is the new Associate Principal at Edward Stone Middle School in the Burlington District. His undergraduate work took place at the University of Iowa, graduating in 2008 with a degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis on Science. He recently finished his Master’s program at Drake University.
Mr. O’Rourke previously worked in the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District as an 8th grade science teacher for the past five years. He shared that he is looking forward to working with an entire building of students and staff and that he is ready to assist students and staff with the daily operations of the building, student discipline, and parent communication at Edward Stone Middle School.
Casey O’RourkeAssociate Principal
319-752-4393casey.orourke@
bcsds.org
Launi Dane is the new Interim Superintendent at Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District for 2014-2015. She has a BS in K-12 Physical Education from Buena Vista, her Master’s in Education and her Specialist Degrees are from Drake University. Prior to coming to Winfield-Mt. Union, she served as Superintendent of Schools at Southeast Webster-Grand Community School District.
Asked what her goals are for this year, Ms. Dane shared that she plans to keep things going and make sure the staff does what is best for students.
Launi DaneInterim Superintendent
WINFIELD-MT. UNIONCommunity School District
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators5
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators14
Gary Steffensmeier, is the new Director of Curriculum and Instruction in our Central Lee Community School District. His educational background includes: Bachelors – Secondary Mathematics Education from UNI; Master’s – Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Kansas State University; Master’s – Educational Measurement and Statistics, and his Ph.D in Educational Psychology are from the University of Iowa.
Most recently Dr. Steffensmeier served as an Instructor of Technology in the Classroom at the University of Iowa. His goal this year at Central
Lee will be to create an environment that promotes everyone striving to improve student academic performance.Gary Steffensmeier
Curriculum/Instruction Director
6319-835-9510gsteffensmeier@
centrallee.org
Bill Maupin is the new Middle School/High School Principal at Burlington Notre Dame. His educational background includes an AA degree from Southeastern Community College; a BA from Iowa Wesleyan; and his MA is from Viterbo University.
Mr. Maupin previously served as the Middle School Assistant Principal in the Fort Madison Community School District. His goal this year at Notre Dame is to develop positive relationships and focus on increasing student achievement.
Bill MaupinMiddle/HS Principal
319-754-8431bill.maupin@
bnotredame.org
CENTRAL LEECommunity School District
BURLINGTON NOTRE DAMECommunity School District
Dennis Phelps is the new Superintendent at Tri-County Community Schools. Mr. Phelps is currently the Superintendent in the Pekin Community School District and began his responsibilities as a shared Superintendent for Pekin and Tri-County on July 1, 2014.
Dennis PhelpsSuperintendent641-634-2408
David Harper is the new Superintendent in our Sigourney Community School District. His educational background includes: BA in Elementary Education/Special Education from Buena Vista; MA in Educational Leadership – K-12 from Drake University; and PK-12 Endorsement/Superintendent from the University of Northern Iowa.
Mr. Harper most recently held the position of Middle School Principal at Evans Middle School in the Ottumwa Community School District. He shared that his goals in the Sigourney School District this year are to develop community partnerships that help to create a community vision for the District. He noted that by creating a positive culture and climate with high expectations, he and his administrators will be the destination for their students.
David HarperSuperintendent641-622-2025dave.harper@
sigourneyschools.com
SIGOURNEYCommunity School District
TRI-COUNTYCommunity School District
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators13
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators6
Jamie Cranston is the new Principal at Columbus Elementary in our Chariton Community School District. She has a BA in Elementary Education and minor in Educational Technology; an Early Childhood Endorsement, Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and Advanced Studies Certificate in Administration, all from the University of Northern Iowa. GO PANTHERS!
Most recently, Ms. Cranston served as Preschool Coordinator in the Newton Community School District for six years. Her goal this year is to support teachers, serve families and continue to build on the foundation of excellence in the Chariton School District. She noted that as she has entered into the district, she has been supported by community members, families, teachers, administrators, and school support staff. “We will all continue to work together to support the mission of the Chariton School District to provide successful learning for all students.”
Jamie CranstonElementary School
Principal641-774-4712
Becky Zesiger is the new Director of Instruction in our Davis County Community School District. Her educational background includes: BA from the University of Northern Iowa; MA from Viterbo; and PCL Literacy Coach from UNI.
Most recently Ms. Zesiger served as a Literacy Specialist at Great Prairie Area Education Agency. Asked what her focus will be in 2014-2015, she said she is looking forward to lots of learning in this new role. She is looking forward to helping to create a strong system of shared leadership in the district that will move the district forward in terms of professional growth and student achievement.
Becky ZesigerDirector of Instruction
CHARITONCommunity School District
DAVIS COUNTYCommunity School District
Dr. Bob Stouffer is the new Principal at Oskaloosa Christian School for 2014-2015. He has a BS in English from Winona State University; MA in Educational Administration from Northeast Missouri State; and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Stouffer most recently served as the Superintendent of Des Moines Christian School from 2000 – 2014. He has four main focuses for the 2014-2015 school year: 1) Building relationships in and with the school families and Oskaloosa; 2) Educational excellence; 3) “Unveiling” Oskaloosa Christian School as “the best kept secret” of Oskaloosa; and 4) setting OCS as the road to being “a school of irresistible influence” in Oskaloosa.
Dr. Bob StoufferPrincipal
641-672-2174principal@
oskaloosachristian.net
Derek Philips is the new Associate Principal at Liberty Elementary School in the Ottumwa Community School District. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, with K-8 Reading Endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa; a K-12 Coaching Endorsement from Drake University; and a Master of Arts in Education – Principalship - from the University of Northern Iowa.
Most recently, Mr. Philips was a 5th grade teacher in the Fairfield Community School District for the past 5 years. His focus for the upcoming school year is to be a leader of service and learning. He wants to ensure that he is providing his staff, students, and families with everything they need to be successful. He also wants to learn as much as possible about the district, school, and being a principal. He shared “I am lucky enough to have Dawn Sievertsen at Liberty and a very experienced administrative team at Ottumwa to learn from and to grow professionally with. Ottumwa Schools has shown a commitment to teacher and student learning. I am lucky and blessed to be a part of this district and to be experiencing the Ottumwa advantage!”
Derek PhillipsAssociate Principal
641-682-4502derek.philips@
ottumwaschools.com
OTTUMWACommunity School District
OSKALOOSA CHRISTIANCommunity School District
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators7
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators12
Donna Keesling is the new 7-12 Principal in our Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District. She has a BA in Management from Buena Vista University, and her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration is from Iowa State University. Ms. Keesling is not new to the District; her most recently held position was as Dean of Students at the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Jr./Sr. High School.
Asked what her focus will be for this school year, Ms. Keesling shared that she will continue the district’s PBIS work and incorporate bullying prevention within that framework.
Donna Keesling7-12 Principal641-969-4288
Curt Johnston, is the new Dean of Students/Activities Director in our Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District. He has a Bachelor of Arts – Elementary Education/Middle School Endorsement from Central College in Pella. For the past 13 years, Mr. Johnston has served as a 7th/8th grade science teacher in the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont School District.
Asked what his focus will be in his new position with the District, Mr. Johnston said that he will work to develop effective classroom management skills and to help motivate students to become effective leaders.
Curt JohnsonDean of Students/Activity [email protected]
EDDYVILLE-BLAKESBURG-FREMONTCommunity School District
Sarah Tobiason, is the new Assistant Elementary Principal.
Sarah TobiasonAssistant Elementary
Principal641-938-2203
Jolene Liebl is the new PK-2 Principal in our Oskaloosa Community School District. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Viterbo, and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration also from Iowa State University. She most recently served for five years as an Instructional Coach in the Newton Community School District.
Ms. Liebl’s goal and focus this year is to build relationships with her staff, students, and families. She will also be focusing on helping teachers to effectively use data to drive instructional decisions.
Jolene LieblPK-2 Principal641-673-8092
Jason Martinez is the new Principal in the Mt. Pleasant Middle School in the Mt. Pleasant Community School District. He has an Associate’s Degree from Southeastern Community College; a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Elementary Education, Reading, and Social Studies, from Iowa Wesleyan College; a Master’s of Science Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University, and a K-12 Principal/Director of Special Education Licensure, with Level I & II Iowa Evaluator endorsements, from Viterbo University.
Most recently Mr. Martinez served as 7th – 8th grade Social Studies teacher in the Fort Madison Community School District. Goals for Mr. Martinez this year are: To build upon the academic achievement of all students who attend Mt. Pleasant Community Middle School; To provide continuous instructional leadership and support for staff; To promote ongoing communication between all stakeholders of the Middle School; and To ensure a safe and welcoming culture to students, staff, parents, and community members who attend or visit Mt. Pleasant Community Middle School.
Jason MartinezMS Principal
319-385-7730jason.martinez@
mtpcsd.org
MOUNT PLEASANTCommunity School District
OSKALOOSACommunity School District
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators11
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators8
Dr. Laurie Noll is the new Superintendent in the Fairfield Community School District. Her educational background includes: her Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education from MacMurray College; Master of Science in Education in Learning Disabilities from Western Illinois University; S.L.I.C.E. Interpreter Training Program (Sign Language); National Board for Professional Teaching Preparation from the University of Northern Iowa; PK-12 Principal/PK-12 Special Education Supervisor, Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership-Superintendent certification, and Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University.
Most recently Dr. Noll served as Curriculum Director in the Burlington Community School District. She shared that her goals for 2014-2015 are to get to know the employees, students and community; Student Achievement and Support Administrators/Professional Development for Administrators.
Dr. Laurie NollSuperintendent641-472-2655laurie.noll@
fairfieldsfuture.org
FAIRFIELDCommunity School District
Dr. Lonna Anderson is the new Director of Instructional Services for Great Prairie Area Education Agency. Her educational background includes a BA from the University of Iowa, Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Texas, Educational Specialist Degree and her Ed.D from Western Illinois University. Prior to coming to Great Prairie AEA, Dr. Anderson was most recently serving as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction (2009-2014) in the Dunlap Community School District #323 in Peoria, Illinois.
Dr. Anderson plans to build relationships, identify needs, and work collaboratively to provide quality services in order to improve student achievement and success in her first year with the AEA.
Dr. Lonna AndersonDirector of Instructional
Services319-753-6561
GREAT PRAIRIEArea Education Agency
Brian VanderSluis is the new Superintendent in our Moulton-Udell Community School District for 2014-2015. His educational background includes a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa; MS in Educational Administration from Drake University, and a Specialist Educational Administration also from Drake University.
Mr. VanderSluis is currently the Superintendent and PK-6 Principal in the Twin Cedars Community School District and began his shared Superintendent duties with Moulton-Udell on July 1, 2014. He plans to provide the Moulton-Udell Community School District with the leadership and commitment required to create an educational community that embodies the belief that learning is a life-long activity so each individual student and adult is educated to their fullest potential.
Brian VanderSluisSuperintendent641-642-3665
Michael Gossen is the new Middle School Assistant Principal in our Mount Pleasant Community School District. His educational background includes a Diploma in Practical Theology from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas; a BA in Music Education from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his MS in Educational Leadership is from Drake University. Prior to coming to Mount Pleasant, he served as a Vocal Music Director, Bible Instructor, and Athletic Coach in the Des Moines Christian School.
Mr. Gossen’s primary goal and focus for the year is to create a positive and safe learning environment for all learners that will compel growth in all areas of life (mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.)
Michael GossenMS Assistant Principal
319-385-7730michael.gossin@
mtpcsd.org
MOUNT PLEASANTCommunity School District
MOULTON-UDELLCommunity School District
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators9
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators10
John Kerr is the new Curriculum Director serving both the Mediapolis School District and the Morning Sun School District. His BS is from the University of Iowa and he has also attended Viterbo University.
Mr. Kerr most recently served as an AEA Math Consultant at Great Prairie AEA for two years. Prior to that, he served as an Elementary Principal for 3 years. His focus this year will be to build relationships with the students and staff in both Mediapolis and Morning Sun. He shares that through the relationship-building process, he will be able to support students and staff with learning and instruction.John Kerr
Curriculum Director641-672-2546
MEDIAPOLIS Community School District
Mike Wolter is the new Activities Director in the Mediapolis District. He has a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa, and his MA in Educational Leadership is from Viterbo University.
Formerly, Mr. Wolter has served as middle school math teacher, head varsity boys’ track and middle school boys’ basketball coach. His goal for the upcoming year is to work with students, coaches, teachers, and parents to help all students reach their highest potential.
Mike WolterActivities Director
MEDIAPOLIS & MORNING SUNCommunity School Districts
John KerrCurriculum Director
Michelle Earhart is a new Regional Director for Great Prairie Area Education Agency. She attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, and earned a BA degree in sociology with a minor in psychology. She also earned a California teaching license from LMU, as well as an MS degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University.
Ms. Earhart most recently served as the Elementary Principal for Lincoln and Richardson elementary schools in the Fort Madison Community School District. Asked what her goal for 2014-2015 is, she shared that her goal is to understand the needs of the districts and provide services to fill those needs.Michelle Earhart
Regional Director319-385-9005
GREAT PRAIRIEArea Education Agency
HOLY TRINITYSchools
Michael Sheerin is the new Chief Administrator in addition to continuing to serve as Elementary Principal at Holy Trinity for 2014-2015.
Michael SheerinChief Adminisrator
319-372-2486michael.sheerin@
holytrinityschools.org
KEOTACommunity School District
Nathan Carlson is the new 7-12 principal at Keota and the 9-12 Dean of Students at Mid-Prairie Community School District. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Wartburg College, and his MSE is from Drake University. Mr. Carlson’s past experience includes teaching at Louisa-Muscatine, Columbus and Clear Creek Amana Community School Districts.
Nathan Carlson7-12 Principal641-636-3491
Welcome New GPAEA Administrators Welcome New GPAEA Administrators
Emily Wilson is the new Middle School Assistant Principal in our Fort Madison Community School District. Her educational background includes a BA in Elementary Education with Literacy minor and Reading Endorsement from The University of Northern Iowa. She also has an MS in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University. Prior to coming to Fort Madison she served as the 7-12 Dean of Students at Columbus Community Schools.
Ms. Wilson’s goal for this year is to adjust to the new position while having a positive effect on those that she works with including students, staff, and community.
Emily WilsonMiddle School
Assistant Principal319-372-4687
Trisha Hager is the new School Administration Manager (SAM) in our Fort Madison Community School District. Her educational background includes an Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College, an Associate of Science – Business Management also from SCC, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Hannibal LaGrange University. Before working full-time in Fort Madison at Richardson Elementary School, she worked as a substitute teacher in the Middle Schools and High Schools in Danville, Fort Madison, and Burlington Community Schools.
Ms. Hager’s focus for this year is to continue striving towards a positive environment in the building where students, teachers, parents, and staff love to come to school every day and work with each other. She will also continue to work towards a safer, more prepared school; ready for any situation.
Trisha HagerSchool Administration
Manager319-372-8927
Tracy VerBeke is the new Elementary Principal in the Lincoln and Richardson Buildings in our Fort Madison Community School District. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, and her Master’s in K-12 Leadership is from the University of Northern Iowa. Most recently she served as Associate Principal in the Edward Stone Middle School in the Burlington School District.
Ms. VerBeke shared that her goal for this year is to improve culture and climate in both buildings; which will help to increase their assessment scores.Tracy Verbake
Elementary Principal 319-372-2896 or 319-
372-2765tracy.verbake@fmcsd.
org
FORT MADISONCommunity School District
Amy Wehrle Amy is the new School Administration Manager (SAM) at Lincoln Elementary School in the Fort Madison Community School District. She has completed the required training to hold the position of School Administration Manager.
Ms. Wehrle’s goal this year is to help the building’s climate to be more positive.
Amy WehrleSchool Administration
Manager319-372-8927