Friday, September 2, 2011

Meet the New Heartland Area Superintendents

Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting next Tuesday, September 6, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are the new superintendents starting this year in Heartland AEA's area who have submitted self-profiles at this time.

Peter Ansingh, West Des Moines

Education
BA in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University, 1976
MST in C
hemistry from University of Wyoming, 1979
EdD in Ed Leadership from Seattle University, 1986


Past work experience
Superintendent – West Valley School District (Yakima, WA), 1991-2011
Superintendent – Methow Valley School District (Twisp, WA), 1985-1991

Superintendent – Boistfort School District (Curtis, WA), 1981-1985

Teacher/Head Teacher – Boistfort School District (Curtis, WA), 1979-1981


Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
After 30 years as a superintendent in Washington State and with our kids successfully launched (for the moment), Pam and I are ready for an adventure. Through my network of colleagues, West Des Moines was recommended as a district to which I should apply. It was identified as a district that supports education and its schools in
a state that also supports education and its schools.

What is your vision for your district?
Through the interview process, the one challenge that was identified for me is the changing demographics of the district. The opportunity I see will be to continue to ensure that students/families experience a high level of success, even as they come to school not speaking English for example. Having been in Iowa a brief time, I have also been presented with potential reform strategies being discussed by the State.

What are your
hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending free time walking, riding my bicycle, playing tennis and reading. Once Pam is able to join me, I look forward to finding a home that will require a significant amount of yard work, my favorite form of therapy.

Lindsey Beecher, Gilbert
Education
BA in Secondary Education, Social Science major, Math minor from University of Northern
Iowa
MA Masters in Administration, Specialist Degree from University of Northern
Iowa

Past Work Experience
Galva-Holstein, Jr. High Math and Social Studies
Independence High School, H.S. Math, Jr. High Social Studies
West Bend-Mallard, H.S. Principal, A.D., Superintendent
Dike-New Hartfo
rd, Superintendent

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

I knew of
Gilbert’s reputation for excellence in academics combined with the fact that it was a growing district, made it a very attractive position. Gilbert’s location in central Iowa and near so many opportunities also made it appealing.

What is your vision for your district?
We are going to have to work very hard to manage the growth of this district while maintaining fiscal responsibility and academic strength. It will be an important part of my job to communicate with and bring together all of the stakeholders in the district.

What are
your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending any free time I have with my family which now includes a six-month-old grand
son.

Brad Buck, Saydel
Education
The University of Northern Iowa - BA
Biology
Iowa State University - M.Ed. and Ph.D.


Past work experience
Associate Superintendent for School Improvement - Waukee CSD

Principal - Prairiev
iew School and Waukee Middle School - Waukee CSD
Principal - Hudson Middle School - Hudson CSD

Principal - North Mahaska Jr./Sr. High - North Mahaska CSD
Teacher - 7th Grade Life Science - Ankeny CSD

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

Saydel has made significant improvements in the last few years across a number of dimensions. We have also been heavily involved in conversations about increasing student access to technology in the learning environment. Specifically, we will begin a 1:1 laptop initiative in grades 7 & 8 this school year that will expand to grades 7-12 in 2012-13. I wanted to be a part of this move to being a hub for innovation in the metro area of Des Moines.


What is your vision for your district?
To support a learning environment for every student that will allow him/her the experiences necessary to leave high school ready for post-secondary education and/or a high skills job in the workplace. This will include engaging staff members, families, businesses and the community in the learning process.


What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy watching sports, reading and most importantly, spending time with my wife and six children.


Greg Ebeling, Pella

Education
Advanced Studies Certificate – University of Northern Iowa (2001)

M.A. – Drake University (1996)
B.A. Gustavus Adolphus College (1991)


Past work experience
2004-2011 -Spencer Community School Superintendent
2001-2004 - Maquoketa Valley Community School Superintendent
1999-2001 - Maquoketa Valley High School Principal

1997- 1999 - West Central Community School, Maynard, Principal

1991- 1997 -Oskaloosa Community School, Junior High Math Teacher


Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

Since my first job was in Oskaloosa, I quickly became familiar with the Pella School District. I still have some strong friendships with people around the Pella/Oskaloosa area.
As a teacher and coach, I was envious of the success that Pella has had in both academics and extra-curricular activities. Having a young family, I knew Pella would be a great place to raise my children. Additionally, the value structure of the community is a good match for who I am as a person.

What is your vision for your district?

The Pella district has a vision that is in direct alignment with my vision for education. I believe in developing students through professional collaboration of educators and a focus on continuous improvement. We need students that are able to think critically, problem solve, work together and have strong character. This only happens with parents, students, educators and community working together to provide experiences that develop the entire child.


Scott Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes
Education
Ed.S. from University of Northern Iowa, 2010

M.A. in Educational Administration from Iowa State University, 2001
B.S. in Elementary Education, Specialization in Special Ed. from University of Iowa, 1993

Past Work Experience
Superintendent, Louisa-Muscatine Community School District, 2007-2010

Lead Administrator/Principal, Louisa-Muscatine Community School District, 2007-2008

Principal, Louisa-Muscatine Elementary School, 2001-2007

Sixth Grade Teacher, Johnston Middle School, 1994-2001

Special Education Teacher, Johnston Middle School 1993-1994


Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

I pursued the DC-G position due to the current state of the district and the future challenges that it will hold. The district is known to be progressive in meeting the needs of the whole child, in the academic and extracurricular arena. This has been done with resource prioritization, strong community support, facility updates and strong leadership. The challenges that will face our district plus others around the state will be to maintain resources for needed programming, continue with the challenges of keeping a small school philosophy with increasing enrollment and moving our teaching paradigm to the 21st century.


What is your vision for your district?
My vision for DC-G is simple. Continue doing the things that make a positive impact on student learning, get rid of what is not and provide the resources, time and environment for optimal learning.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?

With four kids in 8th, 6th, 3rd and 1st grade, it is obvious that my time is spent enjoying family events and activities. Some of those activities include: golfing, biking, reading, music and working on cars.

Dave Haggard, Glidden-Ralston

Education
Ph.D. (School Administration) from Iowa State University, 1984

M.S.E. (Secondary School Admin.) from Drake University, 1974
B.S.E. (Business Education) from Drake University, 1971
Past Work Experience

Superintendent, Fort Dodge Community Schools, December 1988 – June 2005

Superintendent, Storm Lake Community Schools, July 1986 – November 1988

Superintendent, North Winneshiek Community School, July 1984 – June 1986

Principal/Athletic Director, Madrid Community Schools, July 1978 – June 1984

Principal/Athletic Director, Graettinger Community Schools, July 1975 – June 1978

Business Ed. Teacher/Coach, Norwalk Community Schools, January 1972 – June 1975


Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I had retired in 2005 and was working as a consultant with G. Tryon and Associates. We were pleased to have the opportunity to do the search in Glidden because this is the “Home Town” for Gaylord, Randy Braden, and me. Some candidates withdrew from the search late, and we were considering what alternatives existed. We reviewed the alternatives with the Glidden-Ralston board. One of the alternatives was to go with an interim. On the way home that evening Gaylord asked if I had ever considered going back to our hometown and doing an interim. From there the rest is history. I have agreed to do a two-year interim assignment and I have had no regrets. I am proud to be a Wildcat again.

What is your vision for your district?

My vision is to help the district identify creative options for expanding the depth and breadth of the curriculum that is available to our students and to continue building on the existing vision of becoming the best small school in Iowa.


What are your hobbies or things that you like to do in your free time?

I love the out-of-doors, and I am an avid water fowler. I have a four legged, well-trained conservation assistant in the form of an 11-year-old Labrador retriever. I am very active in Ducks Unlimited, having served a two-year term as State Chairman and currently as an At-Large National Board Member. My wife (Dee) and I have been empty nesters for years now but have no grandchildren to spoil. We enjoyed traveling until I accepted this current interim.

Marty Lucas, Colfax-Mingo

Education
AA Degree from North Iowa Area Community College

BA Degree from University of Northern Iowa

MS Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study from Iowa State University


Past work experience

5 years as teacher/coach

2 years as secondary principal

4 years as assistant high school principal and athletic director
21 years as superintendent at various districts in Iowa

2 years as a superintendent in Colorado


Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
After spending two years in Colorado my wife and I were anxious to return to Iowa to be closer to family and to return to the Midwest. I was impressed with the board’s desire to move forward in a positive direction and their commitment to the district and the communities of Colfax and Mingo. We also enjoy being close to the metro area.

What is your vision for your district?

All district’s are facing difficult times and we are no different than many other district. The challenge is balancing financial issues with providing high quality educational opportunities for our students. My hope is that, as a community, we can develop a long-range plan that will lead to quality decision making to help the district move forward toward providing the highest quality educational system possible.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending as much time as possible with family. My other passion is golf.


Craig Menozzi, Southeast Polk

Education
B.A. degree from Gustavus Adolphus College

MED from the University of Minnesota

EDS and Superintendent’s license from St. Thomas University


Past Work Experience

Superintendent, Independent School District (New Prague, MN)

Principal, McGuire Middle School, Independent School District (New Prague, MN)

Assistant Principal, Black Hawk Middle School, Independent School District (New Prague, MN)

Assistant Principal, Rosemount Middle School (Rosemount, MN)

Teacher/Coach, Rosemount High School (Rosemount, MN)


Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

I decided to pursue the position with SEP Schools as I was impressed with how they have done such a wonderful in bringing together the various communities represented within the district.

What is your vision for your district?

My vision for the SEP school district is to become a premier district that models excellence and embraces the challenges of the 21st century.


What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy reading, golf, fishing and spending time with my family.

Bob Miller, Pleasantville

Education
BA from Yankton College in Yankton, SD, 1975, Majored in Physical Education with a minor in General Science

MA from Drake University in Des Moines, 1990, Degree is in Educational Administration
CAS from Iowa State University in Ames, 2004, Degree is in Educational Administration

Past Work Experience

Superintendent of the Okoboji Community Schools in Milford, IA - 2004-2011

HS Principal at Forest City High School in Forest City, IA - 1995-2004

HS Associate Principal/Activities Director at Forest City HS in Forest City, IA - 1990-1995

HS Science teacher and coach at Clarion-Goldfield HS in Clarion, IA - 1982-1990

HS Science teacher and coach at Bishop Heelan HS in Sioux City, IA - 1977-1982

Volunteer Assistant Football Coach – The University of Iowa - 1976

HS Science teacher and coach at Plainfield HS in Plainfield, IA - 1975-1976

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Pleasantville Schools are on the cusp of something big and innovative. Certainly becoming another one of the schools within the state who are participating in a 1:1 program doesn’t make it unique but with the innovative calendar and the four day work week for the months of January, February, and March coupled with the 1:1 certainly makes it intriguing. The proximity to the greater Des Moines area made it interesting for my family as well. The people of Pleasantville are truly warm and welcoming and we have a tradition of high achievement and innovation, which I hope to continue.


What is your vision for your district?

My vision for Pleasantville would be like that of many superintendents around the state, to prepare our students for their next step in life. We certainly want our students to take some form of additional schooling after high school, whether that be 1, 2, 4 or 6 years of college or training. We want them to understand that we all have to be life long learners and that change will take place in their lives and they must be prepared for it. We want our students to be able to create, collaborate and communicate with character, not only in school but also in life in general.


What are your hobbies or things you lie to do in your free time?

I enjoy traveling on long weekend get-a-ways with family and friends as well as golfing. I also enjoy boating with family and just being with them.


Matt Patton, Baxter
Education
Iowa State University B.S. in History
University of Iowa M.A. in Educational Administration University of Northern Iowa C.A.S. in Superintendency

Past Work Experience
Administrative Experience:

Pella Middle School Principal, 2007-2011

Mount Ayr 7-12 Principal, 2005-2007

Southern Cal (Lake City) 7-12 Principal, 2002-2005


Classroom Experience:
Fairfield MS & HS Social Studies Teacher, 1996-2002

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

Baxter is a community that has a strong tradition of supporting education and its schools. Baxter has an experienced and dedicated school board that is committed to our mission of "Teaching for today and tomorrow, one student at a time." The district is filled with quality professionals who are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for students. The district's size (400 students) provides us the opportunity to meet the individual needs of students and their families.


What is your vision for your district?

To provide a world-class educational experience that prepares students for the challenges of the future.


What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, training for and competing in triathlons, hunting, and being involved in church.

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