Jason Ellingson, Collins-Maxwell
What is your educational background?I graduated from Iowa State University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in English Secondary Education. I completed my master's with Viterbo University in 2004. My superintendency certification was completed in 2008 through the University of Northern Iowa. I am currently enrolled in the doctoral program at UNI, focusing on curricular leadership. I plan to complete my doctorate in the fall of 2010.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I was interested in continuing to move the district forward. I was the middle school principal and district curriculum director for Collins-Maxwell for three years before my promotion. I have been actively involved in developing school improvement plans, implementing board goals and challenging the district to seek new opportunities and accept new challenges. It seemed like a natural transition to the superintendent's position.
What is your vision for your district?
I have spent the summer trying to hone that very concept, and I have come to rely on something I stated to the staff two years ago, "know the leaners, grow the learners." Our district is relatively small, agricultural and close-knit. We have a fabulous opportunity to know every learner so well that we can truly help them find their path to success. We must continue to partner with other schools and institutions to make sure every student has the best opportunity to realize their goals.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, writing, watching college sports, cheering on the Cyclones and spending as much time with my family as possible.
Kathy Elliott, Panorama
What is your educational background?After teaching English and Spanish in Guthrie Center for 10 years, I became a school administrator in 1992. The last 13 years I have worked in Spencer Schools, six years as a high school principal and seven years as an assistant superintendent. I received my undergraduate degree from Graceland University, my master's degree from ISU and my superintendent certification from UNI.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
There were several things that attracted me to the Panorama School District. The school district is thriving and growing, with a strong sense of pride in the communities it serves. The Panorama area is also growing and is an attractive place to live. Having taught in a neighboring district, I have many friends and family in the area. In many ways, it feels as though I'm coming back home.
What is your vision for your district?
I would like to see the district continue to grow and expand in the future. Always I feel it is essential to create a district-wide culture of excellence that permeates all classrooms, programs and services that serve students.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
When I can free up the time, I enjoy reading and writing. I also bike during the summer months and plan to use the Raccoon River Valley Trail system that's available in this area.
Vern Henkenius, Kuemper Catholic Schools
What is your educational background? I have degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska, Omaha. I was a high school classroom teacher and coach for nine years followed by a high schoolprincipalship for six years. I moved into Central Office School Administration as a Business Manager and Assistant to the Superintendent for twenty-eight years. I have a total of 43 years of experience in education.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
At the Kuemper Catholic Schools, I am the President. I taught at Kuemper for nine years. I live in the community, as for the past 28 years I was a Central Office Administrator at the Carroll Community School and then retired. My familiarity with the community and the school were major factors in my hiring. I currently have a half time contract.
What is your vision for your district?
Our school system provides a Christ-centered environment where students grow spiritually, academically and socially so that they become responsible citizens. I need to do whatever I can to make sure students and staff are accountable for that mission.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I like to do gardening, lawn work and go golfing. I also like spending time with our children and grandchildren. During the winter months, we enjoy spending some time in Arizona.
Sara Keehn, United
What is your educational background? BS - Central College
MA -Drake University
CAS - Iowa State University
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I am a rural school advocate and truly believe in what small schools can do for children. United has an excellent reputation and seems like a perfect fit for my strengths and background.
What is your vision for your district?
United will become a model for 21st century elementaries. Our 1:1 laptop initiative for grades 4-6 combined with the ability to be responsive to student needs and
changes in education set us up perfectly to do that.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Free time? With six daughters, who has free time! :)
Bradley Manard, Boone
What is your educational background? 2009-Present: Superintendent Boone, IA Community School District
1998-2009: Superintendent Solon, IA Community School District 1993-1998: Superintendent Emerson-Hubbard, NE Community School District
1990-1993: High School Principal Plattsmouth, NE Community School District
1988-1990: Assistant High School Principal Plattsmouth, NE Community School District
1977-85: Language Arts Teacher Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln, NE Public Schools
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
The opportunities at Boone are tremendously exciting, and I believe my skills and talents align quite well with the goals established by the Boone Board of Education. I am excited about the opportunity to move to a larger community of great quality and lead a district striving to provide an exceptional educational environment.
What is your vision for your district?
Within a nurturing culture focused on students achieving their capabilities, I believe all students should have an opportunity to develop a capacity for understanding. This will allow them to not only learn but be able to apply knowledge successfully to different and unique situations leading to achieving success as positive contributors to our society. This belief aligns quite well with the Boone Community School District's mission.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In addition to professional interests, I enjoy bicycling, playing guitar, nature and wildlife photography and writing. Most recently, the book Life Lessons of a Legend, the story of Key West's Captain Tony was released.
Dan Mart, North Polk
What is your educational background? Certificate of Advanced Studies - Summer 2003 at Iowa State University
Superintendent Certification Administrative Endorsement - May 1999 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa
Master of Arts Degree in Teaching emphasis in Technology-Based Learning - August 1994 at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts Degree - May 21, 1989 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake,
Superintendent - Graettinger Community School and Terril Community School
I previously served as a shared superintendent and middle school principal of Graettinger Community School and Terril Community School and was involved in their fifth year of whole grade sharing.
Curriculum/Technology Director - MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District
Business Education Instructor - MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
North Polk attracted both myself and my family with the various opportunities provided to us.
Lynn Ubben, Perry
What is your educational background? My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education/Special Education from Morningside College. I have taught various ages and levels of special education ranging from severe & profoundly handicapped students through resource (learning disabled) students. My masters degree is in Learning Disabilities and specialist in Education Administration. I have been a teacher, coach and administrator in 1A, 2A and 3A districts across the state.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
I was looking for a new challenge and the dynamics of the Perry district appealed to me as well as the location. After going through the interview process, it became evident that the Perry community embraces their diversity and truly cares and supports children.
My husband and I have a daughter in Ankeny and a son who will be a sophomore at UNI. We felt Perry was a good fit for our family and have really enjoyed the people.
What is your vision for your district?
I will be very busy over the next few months meeting people in the school and community and listening. We will develop/refine our vision together.
Mike Wells, Winterset
What is your educational background? I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Social Studies/Physical Education and an endorsement in coaching. I was a teacher and basketball coach at Anselmo-Merna Public Schools (Merna, Nebraska) and Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools (Elmwood, Nebraska). I received my Masters from Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, and became a principal/athletic director at Niobrara Public Schools (Niobrara, Nebraska).
In 2000, I came to Corning, Iowa as a secondary principal. I served as principal for three years and then was promoted (or maybe its demoted) to superintendent. I earned my specialist degree from UNI and have completed all but my dissertation toward my doctorate degree which I hope to finish by May of 2010. I served as superintendent for six years in Corning. I was hired as superintendent of Winterset, and I'm looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Why did you decide to become the superintendent for your district?
Winterset is a great community and a wonderful school system. Dr. Scott has done a great job and I knew I would be following a class act. The location is nice for my family and the school board is progressive in their thinking, truly wanting the best for children.
What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to stabilize the financial condition of the district and to develop the best school system in the country.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy running marathons, fishing and scuba-diving, but most of my free time is spent with my wife, Karen, and my three wonderful children Randy (17), Emmy (15) and Beth (12).
