The principals for the two new elementary schools, as well as other principal placements for next year, have been announced by Dr. Fred Czerwonka, Superintendent of Schools for the St. Joseph School District.

Czerwonka, who appeared on 680-KFEQ Radio Tuesday morning, confirmed that Mike Otto and Lacey Adams have been selected as the principals of the first new schools to be built in some 40 years.

Mr. Otto will be the Principal at the new elementary school located at Cook and Bishop roads. He is currently Principal at Coleman Elementary School.

Ms. Adams, currently Principal at Humboldt Elementary, will be the Principal at the new elementary school located at Carden Park. Joining Ms. Adams on the administrative team will be Lindsey Minson, who will serve as Assistant Principal. Ms. Minson is currently Principal at Noyes Elementary School, which will close at the end of this year.

Heather Gladhart, current Principal at Hall Elementary, will become Principal at Coleman. Hall is slated to close at the end of this year. Kara Anderson, currently an Administrative Intern at Parkway and Hosea Elementary Schools, will become Principal at Bessie Ellison, replacing Kim Siela, who is retiring.

“Any time we make principal changes, we look for fit,” said Brian Shindorf, Director of Elementary Education. “We look for a good fit for the principal with the needs of the school, the staff and the student body. I believe we’ve made a good fit for each of these schools.”

“I’m excited about the opportunities ahead of these principals, both current and new principals,” said Doug Flowers, Human Resource Director for the District. “This process was important to do in order for us to begin teacher transfer interviews Feb. 1.” Teacher transfers will be considered in the first weeks of February and interviews for new teachers will start shortly thereafter. A principal for Humboldt Elementary has yet to be selected.