Month: February 2022

DCSD Holds Kindergarten Parent Meeting

The Decorah Community School District will be holding a Kindergarten Parent Meeting for the upcoming 2022-23 school year on Thursday, March 3rd at 6:00 pm at Carrie Lee Elementary auditorium.

This informational meeting is for parents of potential Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten students for the 2022-23 school year. To be eligible for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten, student must be five years of age on or before .  Current Transitional Kindergarten families are welcome, but they do not need to attend.

Those who have any questions should call John Cline School at 563-382-3125.

Vesterheim Continues with Campus Updates

Vesterheim is excited to begin a new phase of campus renovation plans in mid-February after receiving the endorsement of the Decorah’s Historical Preservation Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council.

These renovations include the removal of a series of buildings, known as the “Cary Buildings,” on the north side of Water Street between the museum’s Westby-Torgerson Education Center and the museum’s Dayton House. In the coming weeks, construction fencing for safety will surround the buildings, and the sidewalks will be blocked for pedestrian traffic.

“These changes are part of an ongoing collaboration to grow Vesterheim as a regional and national destination and will make way for future possibilities,” Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson said. “They will help the museum meet increased exhibit and programming needs and unite the museum’s various buildings into a cohesive campus,” he continued.

Vesterheim has been engaged in a comprehensive, long-range planning process with Snøhetta, the renowned international architecture and landscape architecture firm. Goals of the plan include improving the visitor experience, adding exhibit and event space, and strengthening the museum’s outreach to the local Decorah community and campus visitors, as well as engaging the international community through digital initiatives.

Vesterheim has worked with contractors to salvage a selection of materials from the buildings and one substantial interior brick wall will be rehabilitated.

Vesterheim acquired the buildings from Lyle Cary. They originally housed manufacturing and retail sales businesses and in more recent years were home to Cary’s Machine & Welding, Bernadine’s High Life Inn, and Arthaus.

More will be added here as we document this exciting new phase!

For a detailed history of these buildings, read this article by Steve Johnson.



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Decorah CSD Board of Education Names Dr. Tim Cronin Next Superintendent

DECORAH, IA — The Decorah Community School District Board of Education has named Dr. Tim Cronin as the district’s next superintendent.

Since 2013, Dr. Cronin has served as superintendent of the Central City CSD, which has had a “shared superintendent” arrangement with nearby Dunkerton CSD for the past two years. There, he has gained key experience and skills related to school finance, human resources, and providing professional development opportunities to staff. He developed and supervised a $3.5 million track, transportation, and HVAC construction project, along with a $5 million elementary school addition and a $2 million gym rebuild.

In addition to his role as superintendent, Dr. Cronin has served as curriculum director, elementary principal, director of human resources, and director of special education for Central City CSD.

Dr. Cronin is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Iowa, where he has worked with the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies and Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency programs to develop and teach graduate-level classes. He has served in leadership roles on committees for the Grant Wood AEA, Central Rivers AEA, and the Superintendent Leadership Team of the Tri-Rivers Conference.

Dr. Cronin holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Iowa and took part in graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. He also received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Luther College.

The Decorah Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The board conducted a first round of interviews the week of January 24 and held interviews with the three finalists on February 7.

Dr. Cronin will officially begin leading the Decorah Community School District on .

Dr. Cronin’s welcome message can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKXbK5tI2XI

Four Luther College students named Fulbright semi-finalists

Four students at Luther College have received the news that they are semi-finalists in the 2022-23 Fulbright Scholarship Competition. Operating in 160 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program is the largest and most esteemed exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The Luther College semi-finalists are:

●      Soren Gloege Torp ’21 – English Teaching Assistantship in Germany

●      Annika Dome ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Germany

●      Sophia Rodriguez ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Mexico

●      Siri St. Louis ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Luxembourg

            These students were approved by the National Steering Committee and selected among the nearly 10,000 applicants on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

            The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places recent college graduates and young professionals abroad as assistant English teachers in classrooms from primary through university level.

            The finalists will be announced this spring.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

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Karen Hunt named vice president of enrollment management at Luther College

President Jenifer K. Ward has announced the appointment of Karen Hunt as vice president of enrollment management at Luther College. Hunt began working for the college in late 2021 as interim enrollment chief of staff and has quickly proven to be a valuable employee and effective leader. She steps into her new role immediately.  

            “Karen Hunt brings decades of progressive responsibility and leadership in admission, financial aid, marketing, enrollment management and executive leadership to Luther,” said President Ward. “Since arriving as interim enrollment chief of staff, she has impressed us with her candor, empathy, strategic thinking, analytical skills and heart for the people and programs she has found here. We know she will be a great asset to Luther College in this new role.”

            Hunt’s primary responsibilities will include leading and mentoring a team charged with recruiting and enrolling an academically driven and diverse student body. She will also serve as the principal steward of Luther’s financial aid initiatives.

            “I am honored and thrilled to join the Luther College community,” said Hunt. “The quality of Luther’s transformational and mission-driven educational experience has inspired me from my first visit, and my conversations with students, faculty and staff have affirmed it. I am excited to continue to share the Luther College story and provide opportunities for future students to choose this beautiful, friendly, life-changing learning environment as their college home.”

            Over the past decade, Hunt has contributed to the enrollment of more than 11,000 students and the generation of more than $85,000,000 in first-year revenue. Before coming to Luther, Hunt worked as the vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Bethany College in West Virginia. In two years there, she was able to increase enrollment, improve student retention and enroll more international students. She also provided vision for Bethany College’s strategic plan, served on the Pandemic Response Team and improved financial aid awarding policies.

            Most of Hunt’s nearly 30 year higher education career was spent in various admissions and marketing roles at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. From assistant dean of admission to interim vice president of marketing and communications to executive director of admission, Hunt cultivated skills in communications, marketing, strategic vision and high-level leadership. 

            Hunt earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Wilmington College and holds a master’s degree in college student personnel service from Miami University of Ohio.

            Hunt succeeds former vice president of enrollment management, Derek Hartl.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

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Wisconsin Singers to Perform in Decorah: Group Features a DHS Alumnus

Wisconsin Singers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s premier Broadway-caliber touring production, is taking the stage for its 54th season in Come Alive!  This program features captivating vocals, stunning choreography, big band sound, and Badger spirit, performed by UW’s most talented students. The Wisconsin Singers will perform at Decorah High School’s auditorium for one afternoon only on Sunday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m.; this is a must-see show that will entertain the entire family.

Come Alive! celebrates the thrill of live music from the past five decades of American pop music in a 90-minute revue. Covering more than 40 songs in this exciting and fast-paced show, Wisconsin Singers highlight some of the music industry’s greatest artists ranging from Elvis Presley and the Four Seasons to Lady Gaga and Elton John. Wisconsin Singers will win your heart with award-winning Broadway showstoppers from musicals such as Kiss Me Kate, Pippin, and Chicago. Kids of all ages will delight in their favorite songs from Frozen, Peter Pan, and some ever-popular superhero cartoons. To cap off this unforgettable production, the celebrated Wisconsin Singers’ band showcases its special blend of jazz, funk, and classic rock like never before. Come Alive! is guaranteed terrific entertainment for the whole family.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Wisconsin Singers for an up-beat, entertaining show that features 2020 Decorah graduate Joseph Courtney,” remarked Jason Rausch, DHS vocal music teacher. “Featuring an opening performance by the Decorah HS Concert Choir,” Rausch continued,“this event promises to entertain everyone from age five to 95.”

The public is encouraged to attend the show on Sunday, February 13, the Wisconsin Singers’ only appearance in Decorah. People won’t want to miss the nationally renowned Wisconsin Singers as it celebrates 54 years of family friendly entertainment; this year’s show is the best one yet!

Tickets are available at the door for a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students. The show is sponsored by the Decorah Music Boosters. Contact Jason Rausch at Decorah High School with any questions.

For more information, visit www.wisconsinsingers.com.

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DCSD Reports Active COVID Cases, Information about Academic Calendar

District COVID-19 Active Positive Cases

  • Total number of students and staff in isolation (currently positive) for COVID-19: twenty-seven (27)
  • Current district facilities with known positive cases: John Cline Elementary, Carrie Lee Elementary, Decorah Middle School, Decorah High School

DCSD reports COVID-19 data in alignment with the direction of the Iowa Department of Public Health. The full guidance can be found at the link below.

IDPH Information Sharing Guidance for Schools and Local Public Health

Instructional Hours Update

Iowa law requires public school districts to adopt academic calendars that provide either 180 days or 1080 hours of instruction.  This is the second year Decorah Schools has operated on an instructional hours-based calendar. With the emergency early outs, late starts, and cancellations which have already occurred this year, Decorah schools continues to be on pace to exceed 1080 instructional hours. Therefore, the last day of school for students continues to be Tuesday, May 24.

If additional emergency closures occur in the weeks to come, it may be necessary to add a student make-up day at the end of the year. The District will continue to monitor instructional hours and share details as necessary.

The Sanctioning of Girls Wrestling

Last Saturday, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced unanimous board approval to sanction girls wrestling beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. The Decorah Board of Directors was one of the first boards in the state to submit a letter supporting sanctioning and committing to having a girls wrestling program. Decorah coaches and student-athletes have committed themselves to building a strong program for both boys and girls. The announcement of sanctioning is a goal achieved. It is also just the beginning.

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