Becoming Superintendent at Gladbrook-Reinbeck is a bit of a homecoming for my family and I. When I accepted my position in Maquoketa as Dean of Students, my wife and I always said that if we could ever get back to the Cedar Valley, we would want to because our time living and teaching in the area was absolutely amazing when we were in Grundy Center. I think I speak for all of us when I say our time in the district thus far has us truly feeling HOME, and the outpouring of support and anticipation for us to come has us all on cloud nine!
I started my career in Pella teaching 6th grade math. After teaching and coaching there for three years, my wife and I wanted to get closer to family after welcoming our first child, (Lincoln) and we both accepted positions in the area. I taught a little bit of everything at Grundy Center along with coaching, and Amanda taught and became an instructional coach at Dike-New Hartford. To break into administration, I accepted a Dean of Students position at Maquoketa Middle School and the following year I became Elementary Principal. I did this for three years and then became Midland's Superintendent. I served in that role the past two years and when I saw the posting to become the next Rebel leader, I couldn't pass up the opportunity and am incredibly humbled to be here today.
Amanda, the kids (Lincoln, McKinley, and Madison) and I have been doing all we can to soak up the amazing things that our great communities have to offer thus far! Between the parade and rides at Corn Carnival to the stops at The Milk House on every trip, we have truly come to love getting to know our new home.
In each of the roles and districts I've served in throughout my career, I have been able to have tremendous experiences while always holding fast to my core values of doing what is best for kids. Through the positions I have held, I have been able to do this in a variety of ways from working one on one with students, to ensuring that our staff are having their needs met so that they can meet the needs of our students. I am beyond excited to call Rebel Nation HOME and to do all that I can to ensure that we continue to uphold and improve upon the tremendous tradition of excellence that the Rebel Community showcases.
