Hiring Of Assistant Principal Puts Leadership Team In Place At GCHS

Glenwood Community High School has its new assistant principal.

And for Jeremy Stukenholtz, his hiring is a bit of a full circle.

Stukenholtz’s first teaching job fresh out of college was as a teacher at the high school back in 1995. He taught math and coached football, basketball and tennis until moving on in 1997.

“I look fondly on the time I have spent at Glenwood,” said Stukenholtz, who’s hiring as assistant principal was made official in January. “So many wonderful student, teacher, families and community members.”

Stukenholtz takes over a position that had been filled in an interim capacity by Cory Faust since last May’s shakeup of the leadership team following the unexpected resignation of former principal Cole Albright. Lorraine Duitsman, who had served as assistant principal at the high school, left that position to serve as interim principal following the resignation of Albright.

In December, Duitsman had her interim tag removed and she was named the building’s principal. With the hiring of Stukenholtz, the leadership team at the high school is complete.

Stukenholtz, 51, brings with him a wealth of experience after 30 years in education.

For the previous three years, he has served as field director for Green Hills Area Education Agency that serves 11 southwest Iowa school districts, including Glenwood. So, he was very familiar with both the Glenwood school district and the staff.

“During that time, I got to meet and interact with teachers and administrators and staff in the Glenwood school system,” he said. “I was super impressed with their work and commitment. I just felt like at this point in my career, it was a really good fit for me. I want to do meaningful things and make an impact for kids and families.”

Stukenholtz wasn’t exactly in the market for a new job but when the position opened up in Glenwood, he said it felt like the “stars aligned” for him to return. He loved his work at AEA but there was something about the “people” at Glenwood that drew him back.

“The teachers, the kids, the admistrative team,” he said. “It came down to the people. Working with good people and doing good work while being part of a team. Glenwood is innovative and willing to try new things. I thought this was a good fit for me to be a part of an administrative team that supports teachers. It feels like a good place to be where we can do good work.”

Stukenholtz grew up on a farm south of Nebraska City before deciding to pursue a career in education. Prior to his time at AEA, Stukenholtz spent 11 years as a high school math teacher and another 17 years in administration in both eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

“I’ve been in high schools, middle schools, private schools and public schools, big schools and little schools and lot of different experiences,” Stukenholtz said. “I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of a lot of different teams and schools and been able to experience a lot.”

His time at Green Hills gave him hands on experience working with lots of different school districts and buildings and getting a good handle on special education processes and procedures.

“The last three years has given me a passion for special education students along with all students really. But I’ve learned a lot about special education and I’m anxious to apply that to this new position as well,” he said.

The assistant principal title at Glenwood Community High School carries with it the Dean of Students moniker. While Stukenholtz isn’t sure what his exact duties will be – his first day on the job is July 1 – he’s ready to hit the ground running.

“I am passionate about special education, kids and families,” said the father of four. His wife is also an educator in the Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools.

“I’m passionate about mathematics as a former math teacher. I’m passionate about supporting teachers and developing leadership in kids. So, I’m pretty sure I’ll find a way to do those things I’m really passionate about and are really important. I want to find ways to impact kids and families.”