Administration Changes Coming To GCHS

A new associate principal is joining the administrative staff at Glenwood Community High School just as principal Rick Nickerson has announced his exit for the same position at the Treynor Community School District.

In May, the Glenwood Community School District formally announced the hiring of Lorraine Duitsman as the high school’s new associate principal. Less than a week later, Nickerson, who has served as the high school principal since 2019, resigned to accept the principal job at Treynor.

Duitsman, 41, takes over the high school associate principal position vacated by Cory Faust, who is transitioning back into the classroom as a physical education teacher at West Elementary after one year on the job. She comes to Glenwood after serving the last seven years as an instructional coach in the Council Bluffs Lewis Central School District. Her duties at Lewis Central had her working with all subject area teachers on improving instructional and learning experiences for students.

“I worked in close partnership with the principal and teachers,” she said.

Prior to serving as an instructional coach, Duitsman was a talented and gifted strategist for Lewis Central Middle and High School. A 1999 Harlan grade, she holds degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa.

Glenwood’s strong community and commitment compelled her to apply for the position.

“I’ve seen how the Rams unite and support one another, whether it was during the floods of southwest Iowa or the pandemic,” she said. “I’ve just been super impressed with the community; they really rally together.”

A mother of three children who will remain in the Lewis Central district for the time being, she said the issues closest to her heart include supporting the learning needs of all students, increasing achievement and helping students reach their potential by recognizing the talents, gifts and abilities of all students and all people.

“I have a background in working with students with a lot of unique talents and skills,” she said, adding she’s worked with both exceptional and talented and gifted as well as special education students.

“It’s super important that we address all the learning needs of every student that we serve in our school and meet them where they are. All students deserve forward progress in learning and that ability to help us see the best in them and help them reach their goals for their future.”

Duitsman’s also worked in literacy teams on increasing student growth in reading and with her technology background she was instrumental in developing LC’s remote instruction and its credit recovery program during the pandemic.

Her first official day on the job is July 1.

Nickerson’s last day as Glenwood principal is June 30.

Messages seeking comment from Nickerson were not returned.

Duitsman was acquainted with Nickerson only through the interview process. The former Glenwood principal is actually joining the Treynor district which will be headed up by her former boss, incoming Superintendent Dr. Joel Beyenhof. Beyenhoff was previously the principal at Lewis Central High School.

“I’d being lying if I didn’t say it hasn’t created a little competitiveness in me to have the Glenwood Rams beat the Treynor Cardinals in school achievement,” she said. “They better watch out. Instead of a teammate they’re going to have a competitor now.”

Duitsman doesn’t see the open principal position impact her job as associate principal.

“I have faith in the district office that they will hire someone wonderful for that position and we will work wonderfully together,” she said. “One of my biggest strengths is working collaboratively with other to increase student achievement. I can’t wait to get to know my team and the teachers that work at the high school and to work alongside them for the betterment of the community. Glenwood is a really strong community, and they rally together and unite to overcome any obstacle. We’ll come out stronger in the end.”