Humboldt School District names administrators

By Phil Monson
For the past several months, Colorado educator Paul Numedahl had been looking for an opportunity to return to his home state of Iowa and continue his career in education.
When the Humboldt High School Principal position opened up in late winter and Numedahl applied and eventually was offered and accepted the position, he felt like he had won the lottery.
The hiring of Numedahl became official when the Humboldt Board of Education approved his hiring in their meeting on April 6. Numedahl couldn’t help but share his enthusiasm in a phone visit with the Independent.
“First off, I’m very excited to about the position of high school principal at Humboldt. And not only that, I’m also excited to have my family join the Humboldt community,” Numedahl said. “We’re all really excited about moving back to Iowa.”
“During the first few weeks and months after I arrive I want to get to know the school and the community and get acquainted with everyone,” Numedahl said.
“I grew up in northeast Iowa on a farm near Decorah and graduated from North Winneshiek High School nearby, so I’m familiar with Humboldt," Numedahl said.
In a special meeting held on April 16, the Humboldt School Board approved hiring two new administrators for next year.
The board approved the hiring of Lora Kester as Mease Elementary School Principal and district curriculum director. Kester, who is currently employed in the Central Rivers Area Education Agency, will have a contract calling for 25 percent principal duties and 75 percent curriculum. She’ll begin her duties on July 1.
The board also approved the hiring of Creighton Jenness as middle school assistant principal. Jenness is currently employed as an instructional coach in the Marshalltown Community School District.
The board also accepted the resignation of Greg Thomas as assistant high school principal. Thomas is expected to take the position of activities director for grades seven through 12 with the district looking to hire an assistant high school principal to replace Thomas.
Read more details on these stories in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe by clicking on the link at the top of the page.