Seth Heide believes every elementary student should be excited to go to school.
He wants to play a role in fostering that, he said in an interview Monday following his selection as the next elementary school principal. The School Board unanimously chose him for the role last week.
Heide said he is honored and humbled to receive the principal position following his time as assistant principal. He is grateful to have been supported and mentored by previous Principal Amy DeLaRosa and current Principal Susan Tinich.
Working under them provided Heide with help, knowledge and encouragement, he said. Superintendent Stu Moeckel has also made Heide feel constantly supported and backed by the community, he said.
“Ultimately it comes down to the kids, to best serve our kids, our community, whether that’s social and emotional needs, academic needs, behavioral needs, whatever it takes to best serve them to find success and grow,” Heide said.
Heide considers the staff and surrounding community to be family and is grateful to be able to work in Eudora. One of the greatest opportunities Heide has at Eudora Elementary is being able to cultivate a positive culture with a large number of people in a small town.
Heide said there are challenges to getting people to move in the same direction, but knows they have a staff who will do anything for kids.
“I just want to continue to serve our community and our staff in this way and just lead the great initiatives that we have,” he said.
Heide felt inspired to go into elementary education because of the constant positivity and possibilities. He was also inspired by his dad’s career as a principal.
“It is my happy place because there is life here, there’s excitement, as it should be,” Heide said.
Heide was a teacher at Eudora Elementary for three years before being assistant principal for the last nine years. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in elementary and middle school education. After he taught at an elementary and middle school in Gardner, Heide came to Eudora, where his wife grew up.
Heide said he will lead with data-driven decision-making.
“Also, I just want to continue to connect with the community. That’s a big part of what we do,” he said. “Just build that relationship with individuals, with businesses, just stakeholders in the community, just want to continue to grow us in that area as well as just continue to encourage, equip and strengthen our teachers and our instruction.”
After selecting Heide last week, School Board member Joe Hurla said Heide has been a steady and inspiring individual as assistant principal and will continue to do so as principal. Board member Mark Chrislip feels that since Heide has been in the district a long time, he is well respected in the community and building.
Moeckel said Thursday that they are excited for Heide to get started July 1.
“He will be a great fit and be able to know the culture, and his service and dedication to our school is without question,” he said.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].
