Friday, August 30, 2013

Meet the New Heartland Area Superintendents

Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting on Tuesday, September 3, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are superintendents new to Heartland AEA's area who submitted profiles.

Mr. Bryce Amos, Carlisle 

Education
Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education – University of Northern Iowa
Masters in Education in Administration & Supervision – University of Houston
Education Specialist Degree in Education Leadership – Drake University

Past work experience
Taught middle school Texas and US History in Houston, Texas
Administrative Intern and Assistant Principal at Lamar High School in Houston, Texas
Dean of Students at West Briar MS in Houston, Texas
Principal at Pershing MS in Houston, Texas
Executive Director of Learning Services and Secondary Schools for Des Moines Public Schools

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Carlisle is a community that has a strong tradition of supporting education and schools. The district has a very cohesive school board that is supportive, the administrative team is experienced and the staff members are dedicated to student learning. I wanted to be part of that tradition and work in a district that is poised and ready to take student and staff learning to the next level.

What is your vision for your district?
Carlisle has an established, shared mission, vision and goals for the district. These will drive our work in becoming one of the highest performing professional learning communities in the state. We will continue to ensure that all of our students are college and career ready when they graduate and move on to the next level. 

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

I have two kids ages 9 and 11, and my wife is a school administrator so we use most of our “free time” doing family activities. However, I do try to find time to play golf and have become an avid runner this past year with a goal of running a half-marathon in the next year. I am a big supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes

and the Houston Texans.

Dr. Jeff Craig, Interstate 35
Education
B.S. Ed. - Northern Illinois University
M. Ed - Loyola University, Chicago
Ed. D - University of Illinois

Past work experience

Principal - Oswego East High School 2008-13
Principal - Rich East High School 2004-08
Principal - Davenport Central High School 2002-04
Assistant Principal - CHSD 218 2001-02
Dean of Students - CHSD 218 1994-01
Industrial Tech Teacher - CHSD 218 1993-94
Alternative Ed Teacher - Ottumwa Schools 1991-93
 
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

This is a district whose needs matched my skill sets while providing a climate and culture for growth and excellence. After 11 years as a principal of large, comprehensive high schools, the opportunity and my desire to transition to the next level aligned.

What is your vision for your district?

To provide a leadership model that develops greater leadership capacity among staff and administration and to generate a unifying culture within the school community and our communities that support us.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy golf, fun reading, exercising and completing home projects.

Mr. Steve Gray, Nevada

Education
Ed D @ UNI (May 2014?)
CAS @ ISU (2006)
MA @ UNI (1998)
BA @ UNI (1994)

Past work experience
1994-98, Teacher/Coach – Cedar Falls; 1998-08, MS Principal – Oskaloosa; 2008-13 Superintendent & Principal – Janesville; Current Superintendent – Nevada

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position in your current district?
The Nevada District is comprised of a supportive community base. The district’s attention to infrastructure, diverse academic programming, and technological resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility, all suggested a progressive vision. Furthermore, the location and area resources offer unlimited potential for unique collaboration and innovative student opportunity. Finally, my own core values and administrative leadership experiences appeared to be closely aligned to the desired characteristics identified by the Nevada Board for this position. 

What is your vision for your district?
To seek continual improvement for the children of Nevada in all that we do; to continually seek the leap from good to great and unlock the unlimited potential that Nevada has to offer. I believe we can take individual student opportunity and achievement to new heights, model character for our students and provide them the opportunity to demonstrate, and enhance the leadership capacity among our staff and students.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My wife Jill and I spend most of our time at some type of youth activity, whether it be for my own children, Ellie and Easton, or those within the district. We enjoy sports, music, books, and travel.

Mr. Tracy Hook, Saydel

Education
William Penn University, Oskaloosa, Ia.  BA Industrial Technology
Northwest Missouri State, Maryville, Mo.  MS Secondary Administration
Iowa State
University, Ames, Ia.  Certificate of Advanced Studies/Superintendency 
Past Work Experience
Secondary Industrial Technology at Dunlap, Iowa  1982-86
Secondary Industrial Technology at Corning, Iowa, 1986-1996
7-12 Principal at Twin Cedars of Bussey, Iowa, 1996-97
7-12 Principal at SEW, Liberty Center, 1997-2002
9-12 Principal at Saydel, Des Moines, Iowa, 2002-2013

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent at your district?
Saydel is committed to implementing the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) professional development model. This professional development model allows Saydel to be a leader in the state education reform recently passed by the Iowa Legislature. This is an extremely exciting professional development model that includes master teachers, mentor teachers, ongoing professional development and instructionally focused accountability. I see myself as a natural fit to continue leading and supporting this education reform in our district.

Saydel is a progressive district with many educational initiatives as well as great facilities. Recent construction has included renovations at our elementary and middle school as well as a state-of-the-art auditorium, high school gymnasium, stadium upgrades, new weight room and planned renovations of high school administrative offices and a new maintenance building. These are just a few of the great things we have done in this district that align with all of the above goals of improving student achievement, enhancing culture and image and maximizing district resources. This is a great school district!

What is your vision for the district?
I believe engaging the district staff in work that is relevant and important to student growth. Our vision is for 100% of our students to graduate, 100% are college and career ready and 100% are prepared to be productive global citizens. This is our vision for Challenge 2018.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
A good morning jog is something I do to collect my thoughts and stay in good physical condition. I love to ride our Harley Davidson, drive the Corvette and spend time with my wife, daughter, son-in-law and my two precious grandsons, Hayden & Hudson.

Mr. Rob Olsen, Glidden-Ralston
 
Education
I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with majors in Elementary Education and Middle School Education. I received my Master’s degree in educational leadership at Illinois State University and received my Specialist degree in Superintendency at UNI.

Past work experience
I started my education career teaching 3rd grade in Pekin, IL. I moved back to Iowa as a principal in Mount Ayr and then moved to Colorado Springs where I was elementary principal for 3 years. I returned to Iowa once again and was the elementary principal in Okoboji for 6 years before becoming superintendent in Paton-Churdan and Glidden-Ralston.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
It has been a goal of mine to become a superintendent and have a larger impact on education. I was very selective in applying for an excellent position as superintendent. Both Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan have great student achievement and are very stable financially. Both school districts have excellent traditions and expectations for their staff and students. I wanted to work and live in a small school district where we could work together to make a big difference for the students. 

What is your vision for your district?

Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan have excellent traditions and I look forward to continuing those traditions as well as moving forward as education changes in the state of Iowa. When people ask me where I am superintendent, I am excited to tell them about the Paton-Churdan and Glidden-Ralston School Districts and the community. The 1:1 technology initiative is very exciting for the students and staff at Glidden-Ralston. I have been working in a 1:1 environment for the past few years and look forward to being a part of the transition at Glidden-Ralston.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
As a family we enjoy spending time outdoors, riding bikes, camping, gardening, hunting, fishing and visiting family. We have a black lab, who enjoys hunting, named Bentley and 2 cats named Rosie and Muffy.


Dr. Lisa Remy, West Des Moines

Education
Doctor of Educational Administration – University of Northern Iowa (2009)
Superintendent Certification – University of Northern Iowa (2004)
Secondary Principal Certification - University of Northern Iowa (2000)
Master of Arts – Spanish Teaching – University of Northern Iowa (1997)
Bachelor of Arts – University of Northern Iowa (1989) 


Past Work Experience
2006-2013 Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, West Des Moines CSD
2002-2006  Junior High Principal, Indian Hills Junior High, West Des Moines CSD
2000-2002  Associate Principal, Valley High School, West Des Moines CSD
1998-2000  High School Principal, Hudson Community School, Hudson, Iowa
1997-1998  Administrative Assistant, Hudson Community School, Hudson, IA
1989-1998  Spanish Instructor, Hudson Community School, Hudson, IA

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Prior to accepting the interim superintendent position, I served as the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the district. I have been fortunate to work in many parts of our organization. I believe in our district’s vision and want to help move that vision forward. I believe we have dedicated staff and look forward to working with them to serve the students of the West Des Moines Community School District.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to provide a quality education for all students. This can be done through effective instruction for all students which will require a focus and a commitment to working together in order to increase student performance. In partnership, West Des Moines CSD teachers, administrators, staff, board and our families can create that educational journey by nurturing and inspiring each child in our district toward his or her life’s journey.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, walking, lake activities and spending time with family.

Mr. Tom Wood, Martensdale-St Marys
 
Education
BA in Elementary Education from Simpson College
MSE from Drake
Ed. S. from Drake
 

Past work experience
Elementary teacher/coach: Ballard CSD, 1996-2001
Elementary teacher/coach: Madrid CSD, 2001-2004
Elementary teacher: Norwalk CSD, 2004-2007
Elementary Principal/Technology Coordinator: Martensdale-St. Marys CSD, 2007-2013

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Martensdale-St. Marys has wonderful students, supportive parents and great teachers. This is an opportunity to remain a part of a really special district. I have had the chance to work in the role of elementary principal and now expand that role to include superintendent. I could not ask for a better place to be.

What is your vision for your district?
MSTM has the slogan, "Small Community...Huge Results!" I would like to maintain and build on the excellent academic and activities success that has become an expectation in this community. We are a student-centered district that is committed to continual improvement, so this vision and goal is attainable.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family which includes my wife, Denise, and our two daughters, Maggie (9) and Grace (11). We like attending school events as well as their varied activities. I am a sports fan with a strong interest in baseball. I also spend a great deal of time outdoors hunting and fishing.

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