AHS is saying goodbye to three familiar faces at the end of the  2015-2016 school year.  Chemistry teacher, Nancy Jenkins is retiring along with Math/Science teacher Steve Baier.  Also Physical Education and Health teacher Drew Duff has put in his resignation.  

With two teachers leaving the science department, a lot of change is in store for its future.  To fill these positions, the school is advertising for a chemistry and physics teacher.

 Regarding Jenkins and Baier leaving, McKay said, “They’re some of the most brilliant people.” In the 19 years McKay has been here, Jenkins has also been here.  Regarding Duff, McKay said, “I just really admire the character that he always demonstrates, I understand decisions that people have to make. He was always very hardworking.”  

As the Principal, McKay has certain decisions to make after hearing about the retirement or resignation of a teacher.  She says one thing she appreciates the most are the personal conversations that she gets to have with the people resigning or retiring. First, the announcement goes directly to the central office.  It then gets posted internally within the district to let other staff members know that the position is available, they can choose to request a transfer if they’d like the chance at the open position.  The transfer is either granted or denied by ACSD Superintendent Michael Amstein.  

After the position is posted internally, it’s then posted to teachiowa.gov which is a website for finding the proper canidates for a positon, she also contacts colleges and other principles from the Hawkeye 10.  If she finds someone that may be a possible candidate, she gives them a contacts them by phone and then decides if she’d like to move on with an interview.  Her favorite type of interview is when she’s able to get the person into the classroom and observe them teaching a mini lesson.

Thank you Jenkins, Bair, and Duff for everything you’ve done for us here at AHS!