The PLT #3 School Board hired one principal and accepted the resignation of another during their April meeting on Monday night.
6-12 Campus Principal Keith Stewart submitted his resignation to the full board at the conclusion of their executive session. Stewart had notified Superintendent John Petzke and some board members prior to the meeting of his decision. Stewart was absent from the regular board meeting as he was attending the Riverdale board meeting to accept the position. He will begin his new position on July 1.
Stewart began his duties in July 2018 and was charged with combining the middle and high schools into a 6-12 campus. Stewart is a native of Prophetstown and an alumnus of the school district.
In a lengthy interview with AroundPtown.com, which will be released at a later date, an emotional Stewart said his decision was based on multiple frustrations of ongoing issues within the district with no resolutions in sight. He added there were also several opportunities for him with the Riverdale district both personally and professionally.
In a letter to parents and students Stewart said in part, “This was not a career move I anticipated, but sometimes circumstances align in a way that cannot simply be attributed to mere coincidence. Each of our lives unfold as they do for a reason, even if we cannot see it at the time.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the students, families, and communities of PLT as your principal. As a 2006 graduate of Prophetstown High School, I know that our district is blessed with so many incredible students, committed staff, and supportive families.”
A search for Stewart’s replacement is underway.
In commenting on Stewart’s resignation, newly elected board president, Kim Purvis said she was extremely surprised. Purvis said the reaction of the board was “shocked and disappointed.” She added “the board was very, very disappointed and surprised to hear of Keith’s resignation. He has done an excellent job in a very challenging climate and we wish him the best of luck.”
District Educational Innovation Director and former high school science teacher, Kara Kullerstrand, was hired to replace Justin Hovey as Principal at Prophetstown Elementary school. Hovey had been with the district for seven years and announced his hiring as the principal of the Erie Middle School last month.
Kullerstrand had been a science teacher in the district since 2015 and was hired in the newly created innovations position last August but did not start the position until January. She said her goal since starting her administrative certificate program has been to become an elementary principal.” I am very excited to learn and to lead PES. The staff is very knowledgeable and work well together. I am a big proponent of “watch and listen”, and plan to do that to learn the school’s culture.”
The school board elected new leadership during the meeting with Purvis being unanimously elected as Board President. Chad Abell was elected Vice President with Tya Boucher elected as Secretary. Jeannie Richmond will continue as Recording Secretary and Treasurer.
On her election to the board president Purvis said, “I have been willing to do it, but I was not eager to do it, because I felt we have very capable people on our board, and I think James (Melton) did a very nice job.” Purvis said Melton had approached her with the idea saying he was ready to step down as president and that no one else on the board expressed interest in the position.
