Beener
Jeff Beener hails from Prairie City, and is taking the position of Athletic Director and At-Risk Coordinator. Beener resides in Monroe, with plans to move to the area.
Beener attended William Penn University from 1989 to 1993, studying physical education and health. From 1999 to 2001, he studied special education at Morningside College. Since 2021, Beener has been studying principal and education leadership at Viterbo University. This school year will be his 30th year in education. Beener cites his mentor and high school football coach as the reason for him going into education. On deciding to come to Murray, Beener said he has always been drawn to smaller school settings, and Murray reminds him of his own high school, Prairie City High School.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Murray community and begin working with the students, parents, teachers, coaches, and community members,” said Beener.
Burgher
Michael Burgher, originally of Dallas Center, is Murray’s new K-12 Visual Arts teacher.
Burger has been in education for 17 years, and holds a bachelor’s from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s from Viterbo University.
On deciding to be a teacher, Burgher said that it’s a family occupation. His maternal grandmother taught at Diagonal during the 1930s, his father taught shop for 30 years and Burgher has continued the tradition “with pride.” His oldest daughter works with children, and his oldest son is pursuing a career as both an educator and coach.
Burgher is excited to come to Murray, which he calls a “great community,” and for an opportunity to work with a wide age range, as well as getting involved in the many aspects of the Murray educational system.
Ledinsky
Alex Ledinsky is Murray’s new physical education and health education teacher for kindergarten through 12th grade. From Algonquin, Ill., Ledinsky currently resides in Osceola. He attended the University of Northern Iowa, and finished his student teaching this past spring; this will be his first year teaching. When going into education, Ledinsky said he wants to make a difference in the lives of students, coupled with a love of sports made physical education the right choice.
At Murray, Ledinsky will have the chance to teach P.E., health class, and coach, an opportunity he could not pass up. Teaching all grades will also offer him the chance to see every one.
“I’m so happy to be here, and can’t wait to get the school year started,” said Ledinsky. “Go Mustangs!”
Hauser
Robert Hauser will be Murray’s new music and band director. The Osceola Sentinel-Tribune was unable to reach Mr. Hauser at press time.