The Lincoln Elementary School staff head back to the building this week to prepare for the upcoming school year, with a new administrator at the helm.

Susie Lund is the new principal, replacing Teresa Beenblossom, who is now the Washington High School principal. Originally from Idaho, Lund worked for the Waterloo School District for several years as an instructional coach, special education coordinator, and assistant director of special education. She recently worked the last couple years for the Iowa City School District as her husband works for the University of Iowa, and she is excited to take on this leadership role working in a smaller district. Lund shares her motto as an educator, “I’m just a big advocate of inclusion and so I really want everyone to feel welcomed and included and valued in our school. Including all of our staff, including everyone that comes through the doors. I’m good at making relationships with kids and with families and with staff. I get such a great feeling from the staff already that they just love Lincoln, they love the family aspect of Lincoln, how everyone feels like this is where they belong already and that is what I just strive to continue.”

After working at a district level, Lund says she looks forward to working closely with the staff and students. She doesn’t have any big changes planned for Lincoln during her first year, as she says Beenblossom had everything set up for success for her to step in and get to know everyone and support them to the best of her ability.