March 28, 2024

Bahls named Clarke’s new curriculum director

Clarke Community School District has a new curriculum director for the 2015-16 school year.

During a Monday, July 13, Clarke School Board meeting, the board approved Jean Bahls as the district’s new curriculum director.

“I wanted to be the curriculum director for Clarke Schools because I was impressed with Clarke’s commitment to giving students access to technology through the 1:1 initiative,” Bahls said. “I was also drawn to the district because of the connections they have made with the community through parent and community councils.”

The district also took note of Bahls’ experienced resumé.

“She has an amazing background,” said Clarke Superintendent Steve Seid.

Previous experience

Bahls was most recently a curriculum specialist in the Davenport Community School District responsible for career and technical education, STEM, 21st century skills and world languages.

Prior to that, she taught computer applications at the middle school level. Bahls said she came to the education field after approximately 15 years working in the business world.

Clarke has been looking for a new curriculum director since the end of June.

Lance Ridgely, the district’s former curriculum director, accepted the position of East Union (EU) Community School District superintendent Tuesday, June 16. Ridgely had a one-year contract with the Clarke district.

His resignation was approved during a Clarke Community School Board meeting Thursday, June 25.

Hiring

“First, we had a great pool of candidates,” Seid said about the application process.

Sixteen people applied for the curriculum director position and five were interviewed.

Bahls was hired on a one-year contract with a pro-rated salary recommendation of $83,000. Her starting date is Aug. 10.

“The district has a strong and dedicated leadership team with whom I am very excited to work,” Bahls said. “In addition, I like the district’s focus on incorporating 21st century skills and leadership into the core curriculum.”

Set of skills

Seid said what stood out well for Bahls was her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, great knowledge base of technology, mentoring and great communication skills.

“She has done a significant amount of state reporting, which is a big part of which this position entails,” he said.

Seid said the district is looking forward to Bahls taking on the administrative position.

“She’s married with a seven-year-old and is excited to have him to come to Clarke Community Schools,” he said. “We’re excited to have her be a part of our team.”

Bahls is excited to be in the district, as well.

“I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with staff, parents, and the community,” she said. “I will continue to focus on literacy and 21st century skills to best prepare our students for success in the future.”