New HS principal brings changes, improvements

NEW PRINCIPAL: Kim Antisdel sits in her office, preparing for the start of school. (S-T photo by Melissa Brownrigg)

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The new principal for Clarke Community High School started July 1 and she has already made some improvements and changes to the school that she hopes will raise community involvement and student participation. 

Kim Antisdel replaced David Walkup who served as the high school principal for nine years.

As part of the changes, parents and students will have a chance to better acquaint themselves with the school’s policies and release their back-to-school jitters by meeting with their teachers before returning to another year.

Antisdel is expanding the high school orientation to include new students. Before, only ninth grade students were involved in this event.

“It was expanded because I thought it was important for new students to learn the ‘lay of the land’ before attending school,” said Antisdel.

During this event, students have a chance to win a $100 scholarship, see what activities are offered at the high school and enjoy ice cream.

Antisdel also created a night where students and parents can meet with teachers about class expectations and learn more about what Clarke has to offer them.

In addition to raising community awareness through school sponsored events, Antisdel and the school staff are working hard to spruce up the appearance of the building.

The new look includes a coat of paint, a refurbished girls’ shower room and improved cleaning practices.

Superintendent Ned Cox said he is excited for the changes that have already been implemented and looks forward to working with Antisdel.

“We replaced a very good and experienced principal with another very experienced principal,” he said.

Antisdel comes from Bedford, Iowa where she was the principal for grades 6-12 for 11 years. Before that, she taught special education in Creston.

She has three degrees from Northwest Missouri State University – speech and coaching, special education, and secondary education.

The move to Clarke seemed to be a “natural fit.” Antisdel said she knows the school’s system in Clarke well since she was a member of the district’s Iowa Area Education Agency (AEA).

Antisdel said she also accepted the job to become closer to her husband, who lives and works for Dallas Center-Grimes school district as an activities director. Despite being married for five years, Antisdel said they have never lived together.

Antisdel will commute during good weather, but is looking for an apartment in Osceola for the winter months and in order to stay in town for home games and activities.

“I plan on being a very strong presence at the games and events,” she said.