March 28, 2024

Familiar face takes over as high school principal

High school instructional coach Kristen Souza selected as next principal

PCM High School Instructional Coach Kristen Souza has been named the new principal for the school. The school board approved Souza to the position during the regular April meeting Monday.

“I’ve watched her grow as an educator, the last three years as an instructional coach,” superintendent Brad Jermeland said. “She’s done a wonderful job working with the high school staff and also working with the administration and I am pleased to have her as the incoming principal for the upcoming school year.”

Souza has been with the district since August 2009 where she started as a science instructor teaching biology, environmental science, anatomy and physiology. In 2016, she moved into the instruction coach role at the high school where she worked to bring evidence-based practices into classrooms by working with teachers and other school leaders in a secondary school setting.

“I am excited to be here,” Souza said.

A Wisconsin native, Souza attended the University of Iowa for her undergraduate receiving a bachelor of science degree in biology and her master’s degree in secondary education and teaching. She continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa where she secured her advanced studies certificate in education leadership and administration.

The district received 20 applications for the position and interviewed three candidates. Souza will be taking over for departing principal Scott Bridges who is taking the superintendent/principal position at Melcher-Dallas after being with PCM for 15 years.

The board also set several fees for the upcoming year including breakfast and lunch for both students and adults, textbook fees and activity passes. Student lunch prices will remain the same at $2.65 for K-5 and $2.75 for 6-12. The School Food Authority is not required to increase the paid student lunch price if the school food service account had a positive balance as of Dec. 31, 2018, which PCM maintained.

The price for adult lunches will increase slightly to $3.75 from $3.65 to accommodate the menu certification reimbursement USDA Food per-meal rate. Fees for K-12 breakfast will remain the same at $1.40 along with the adult fee at $1.80 per meal.

Elementary, middle school and high school textbook rental fees will remain the same for the next school year at $45, $50 and $55 respectively. Student activity passes will stay consistent at $35 along with the adults passes at $90. New for next year will be a family activity pass for families of four or larger at a fee of $225, or 10 percent off the regular price.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com