WELCOME, NEW FACULTY, STAFF

By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

The new school year brought a few new faces to Central Schools. The district added seven new employees: Mycala Briggs, social worker; Deborah Deitchler, 6-12 Special Education teacher; Eric Gronowski, 6-12 Special Education associate; Shelby Huster, counselor; Jeff Robinson, maintenance; Lauren Schwendinger, 4-5 teacher; and Allison Walch, district secretary. 

The Register reached out to new faculty and staff with a few questions using the answers would introduce the newcomers to our community. Briggs, Deitchler (not available for a photo), Huster, Schwendinger and Walch responded. Here’s some of the information they shared with us.

Mycala Briggs

Originally from Manchester, Briggs earned an undergraduate degree in social work at Wartburg College and a graduate degree at Tulane University, New Orleans, where she lived and worked for a bit.

“When I moved home, I knew I wanted to work in a school setting,” she said. “When I heard about the opening here for a school social worker, I was excited because it’s the position I’ve been wanting and it’s close to home.”

Briggs is looking forward to meeting the many members of the Central community. When she’s not at school, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Talulah, and friends and family, which includes two younger sisters and a 14-year-old Yorkie named Harley.

“I also love shopping at Target,” she admitted.

Deb Deitchler

A Central High School graduate, Deitchler returns to the classroom after staying home for 17 years to raise her children and help on the family’s farm.

“I’ve always felt the pull to get back into education,” she said, “and when this particular job opened up I knew I wanted to be the one to fill it. I’m looking forward to being part of a school that puts high expectations on learning and works hard to support a positive environment.”

Away from Central, she continues helping on the family’s dairy farm and “chasing our four kids.”

Shelby Huster

A Lake City, IA, native, Huster earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in school counseling, both at the University of Northern Iowa. The position at Central and the school’s rural setting appealed to her.

“I love the sense of community that comes with a small town,” she said, “and having the opportunity to work with students of all ages is something I look forward to the most! All kids have the potential for greatness and being able to work with them on a daily basis is one of the best parts of my job!”

Huster’s outside interests include snowboarding, kayaking, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren Schwendinger

Schwendinger, who will be teaching a combined 4-5 grade class, has an undergraduate degree from Ambrose University in elementary education with a K-8 reading endorsement. She was attracted to Central because the small school and tight-knit, rural community reminded her of her hometown of Dyersville.

“I’m looking forward to having my first classroom,” she said, “and sharing my passion for learning with my students. I’ve been welcomed with open arms by all of the staff members, which makes me excited and confident that I have chosen the right place to begin my teaching career.”

When she’s not spending time with family and friends, Schwendinger can be found pursuing outdoor activities like running.

Allison Walch

Walch grew up in Elkader and graduated from Central. She and her husband, Kurt, make their home in Monona with their three youngsters, Brock, Kaylee and Madduz. The busy household also includes a dog, Kiki. The family loves to camp, snowmobile and travel.

Said Walch, “I was attracted to my position at Central because of the positive atmosphere and great staff that I met when I attended activities with our children.”

She looks forward to learning all the new things that go with being a district secretary.