The Southeast Polk Community School District has named Blake Kielman as the new Mitchellville Elementary Principal. Kielman’s contract was approved by the Southeast Polk Board of Education during their regular meeting on August 17, 2017, and he assumed his duties on August 18.
Kielman has worked for 12 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal. He started his career in education teaching 5th grade for two years at Mitchellville Elementary. Following that he taught 4th and 5th grade at Four Mile Elementary for eight years and in his 10th year as an educator, he worked as an instructional coach at Four Mile. Kielman returns to Southeast Polk having spent the past two years serving as the Middle School principal in the Prairie City Monroe School District.
Kielman received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa and Masters of Education Degree from Viterbo University. He describes himself as a lifelong learner who enjoys reading about instructional strategies and ways educators are working to motivate students, inspire creativity, and prepare students for our ever-changing society. Kielman shared, “I have a passion for helping students succeed at a high level, and my background is in elementary education. It’s a little surreal, but I have come full circle to where my career started, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Over these next few weeks, Kielman is excited to meet all of the families and their students. “I am fully committed to Southeast Polk and the Mitchellville community. During my first year, I will spend a lot of time building relationships and communicating what we are doing at the school. The teachers and I are working diligently to be prepared for the start of school this week. I am confident speaking for all of us when I say we are most excited for the kids to be back,” Kielman said.
Dr. Dirk Halupnik, Southeast Polk Superintendent, shared, “We are excited to welcome Blake Kielman back to the Southeast Polk community. Blake has a very strong background in elementary instruction and collaboration along with a high level of energy and the ability to build effective relationships.”
Kielman lives in the Southeast Polk district with his wife and two daughters Carly a second grader and Lauren (Lou) a preschooler. As a family, they love to fish, ride bikes, visit family, swim, and play ball. He loves to hunt, fish, play basketball, golf, and enjoys many other outdoor activities.
