Southwest Valley Schools is now under new leadership, as Chris Fenster began his term as superintendent July 1.
Fenster comes to Corning from Coggon, where he served as superintendent and elementary school principal for North Linn Community School District. He noted that the district has been welcoming, thus far.
“I have met great people in both schools and look forward to building relationships with all stakeholders and make (Southwest) Valley a destination district,” said Fenster.
Though new to town, Fenster is a native of southwest Iowa; he was born and raised in Earlham, and got his start in education working as a paraeducator for West Des Moines Community Schools more than 20 years ago.
As someone who grew up in a small town and a passionate educator, ensuring that education in towns like Earlham and Corning is important to the new superintendent.
“I am (a) strong advocate for students and for rural schools,” said Fenster. “Every child deserves a free and first class education and my goal is to lead a staff that will provide this opportunity.”
Fenster said his other goals for the upcoming school year are to “improve all communication within (the district), build on all STEM projects we are doing and launch #twolvescountry — locking arms and educating all our students.”