Elwood moves into new position with the AEA

The administration at the Stanton School District will be a bit different when school resumes in August.
After six years serving with the Stanton District as principal, Katie Elwood left the district as of June to pursue a position with the Green Hills AEA. Elwood said she became interested in the education field while she was in college.
“I took a course that made me interested in education. Also, as a member of the basketball team, myself and the other players worked with some schools and in working with those schools, that drew my interest into working in education and working with students and coaching,” Elwood said.
Prior to serving as Stanton’s principal, Elwood had lengthy experience in the educational and administrative fields.
“Prior to coming to Stanton, I was principal at Griswold for four years, and then I taught in both the Griswold and Stanton districts for around 11 years prior to moving into an administrative position,” stated Elwood.
Elwood shared what led to her decision to move from the Griswold to Stanton District as principal.
“I had taught here, and we were already living in the community, and so I knew what the school was about, and what the community was about, and I always enjoyed my time here, the community involvement, the support that the school receives, and all the ways that everyone works together to ensure the success of students. With all those things in mind, that is what drew me to coming to Stanton and working as an administrator here,” commented Elwood.
Of what the district has accomplished, Elwood said the biggest thing to her is the way in which the staff has always come together and worked together for the best interest of students.
“We’ve received a lot of support from community, parents, but that collaboration and the way the staff works together has just been really neat to see. Something else that stands out is the various ways in which you see kids grow from year to year, and the success that they find after high school, to,” advised Elwood.
While she’s leaving before she’ll see the project completed, Elwood said she was also pleased that the bond issue was approved for much needed renovations.
“I think that was a big step for the district and community to make, and it’s neat to see some of these first steps that are starting to take place. It will also be neat to see how it develops and what it all looks like when it’s done. It’s a big accomplishment for the school and a definite example of community support and the community knowing what the district needs moving forward,” Elwood explained.
Elwood is now transitioning to her new role with the Green Hills AEA as a work-based learning coordinator,
“I’ll still be within southwest Iowa and still serving in education. What drew me to the position was that  it was still in education and I would still be working with students and looking ahead to some post-secondary goals for students and supporting schools in that capacity,” Elwood said.
Elwood’s role is being taken over by Tabor Strong, who Elwood said will be a great asset for the district.
“She comes from Bedford. I know she’s looking forward to it, and we’ve had an opportunity to sit down and go over a few things. She’s really looking forward to beginning her tenure this next shcool year.”
Elwood shared what she’s enjoyed the most about her time working with the Stanton district.
“I think it would come back to the various ways that we see students grow and succeed over time, the development that you see. I attribute that to the many ways that our staff work to make sure that happens and support student learning and student goals. I’d say that would be one of the neatest things that you can see in education,” commented Elwood.
Elwood said that among the things she’ll miss are seeing the familiar students and staff on a daily basis, and the many ways they all worked to together to accomplish district goals. She’s also thankful to the community.  
“I appreciate, you know, all the support over the years, the relationships built and the opportunity to be in this position here. I also want to express my appreciation to superintendent David Gute for all of his leadership and support over those years, especially since he’s serving as superintendent of two districts at once. I appreciate all that he’s done for me,” stated Elwood.