Changes in administration coming to PCM

Changes are coming to the PCM Community School District. With the Monroe Elementary and PCM Middle School principals handing in their resignations, the district is looking to move in a new direction with administration in several areas.

At a special meeting April 12, the PCM School Board approved hiring Grundmeyer Leader Search for not only the middle school principal but a combined elementary principal position and a new activities director role. PCM Superintendent Michelle Havenstrite explained the thought process behind the changes and how she feels they will benefit the district as a whole moving forward.

“The decision (for one elementary principal) was based on many factors,” Havenstrite said. “First, enrollment size, supervisory duty comparison data from other districts, and also within our school setting. Second, we need to begin to have ONE elementary program in the PCM School District. One common vision and source of leadership is essential to begin to bring the strengths of each building together. Finally, our goal is to provide an equitable education to all elementary students regardless of where they attend. Students in one building should not be afforded opportunities that students in another building do not have simply based on the location of the school. We need more continuity and flexibility between the buildings.”

She wanted to point out that while people may be equating the combining of the elementary leadership positions are a reduction in support, it is actually the goal not to reduce support but to bring together two independent building to develop a stronger, more equitable system of support for everyone in both buildings.

“The quality of education does not lie in the hands of the building principal — rather it lies in the strength of the system and supports that are created,” Havenstrite said. “I am very excited about this change and am confident that the PCM School District will attract a very strong instructional leader to work collaboratively with the staff and families to create one of the best elementary education programs in our area.”

While one elementary principal is leaving the district, Prairie City Elementary Principal Stephanie Ver Helst is moving into a new role within the district. Moving forward, Ver Helst will serve as in the shared position as the PCM and Colfax-Mingo Director of Special Education and Student Services.

“Stephanie has expertise and experience in working with special education and other programs designed to meet the needs of our learners,” Havenstrite said. “This is an exciting move for Mrs. Ver Helst as she has a deep passion for this specialized field. Mrs. Ver Helst is our current director of special education, but it was an ‘add-on’ responsibility to her elementary principal role. With the growing needs of our students and families, this position can no longer be effectively served as an ‘add-on.’We need a designated administrator serving in this role and Mrs. Ver Helst is the perfect fit.”

Also added to the district is the position of activities director. The schools will transition from holding an athletics director position to on that encompasses all activities, both at the high school and middle school.

“Due to the increase in student activities in both middle school and high school, there is a strong need for direct oversight of not only athletics but of fine arts and other extra-curricular activities, as well,” Havenstrite said. “This position will serve as an administrative position to provide direct oversight, collaboration and support for all extra-curricular activities in the MS and HS.This again is another one of those positions that were an ‘added-on to a teaching/coaching contract. It was also limited to athletic support only.Due to the size of our district and the increase in student activities — which is a great thing — we have just outgrown our previous service model.”

The person taking on the role will not hold any teaching responsibilities in the district and it is preferred they not coach or sponsor any activities.

To fill these position, Grundmeyer Leader Search, who also served as the search firm last summer for the superintendent hiring process, was tapped once again to help the district. In an abbreviated process, the firm will work to bring qualified candidates to the schools in each position.

“Grundmeyer is a very reputable company that is able to seek out and find a large pool of highly qualified candidates. Additionally, they use a stringent screening process.This will help narrow down applicants to the ‘best fit’ candidates for our districts,” Havenstrite said. “We will be seeking volunteers to sit our interview committees so I would encourage any interested person to watch your school email and/or social media accounts for these opportunities.”

The timeline for the search would have candidates potentially brought before the board during its May meeting for approval.

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