Teachers drawn to rural community

By Holly Neumann

The Manawa School Board welcomed new employees during its Aug. 22 meeting.

Joining the staff will be: Taren Redmann, 4K aide; Sarah Highlander, fifth grade; Michele Koshollek, high school English; Aime Long, high school social studies; Janine Connolly, 7-12 grade counselor; and Ali Dean, second grade.

Dean, a 2011 graduate of the district is excited to be back.

“Kathy Field was my first grade teacher,” said Dean. “Now I will be teaching alongside her and that is exciting.”

Dean will also be coaching eighth grade volleyball.

Connolly said she likes the small town feel of Manawa.

“I was impressed from the first moment I walked into the building,” she said. “The staff is very passionate about what they do here.”

Long agreed.

“I was looking for a small town feel in a farming community,” said Long. “I love it here already. Everyone has been so welcoming.”

Koshollek is looking forward to a new adventure.

“I was ready for a change and to teach high school again,” she said. “Manawa is a great place to do that.”

Highlander, who grew up in the Weyauwega area, is happy to be returning to the area.

“I was teaching in Ripon, and my husband got a new job, our house sold and then this position was open, so everything fell into place for us,” Highlander said. “I am happy to be back in the area and excited about the challenge.”

Redmann will be returning to the classroom after spending time home with her children.

“I am excited to be back,” she said. “The little ones are always so much fun.”

Jim Roenz, who taught for 37 years in Manawa, was honored for his retirement during the recent Manawa School Board meeting. Missing from photo is Debra Weisert, who also retired. Holly Neumann Photo

The board also recognized Debra Weisert and Jim Roenz on their retirements from the district.

Weisert had been in education for 20 years, the last year with the Manawa School District.

“Debra was a great counselor,” said High School Principal Dan Wolfgram. “Her unconditional positive regard and compassionate, caring devotion to her students, was without question.”

Wolfgram referred to Roenz as the heart of the school district.

“Jim dedicated 37 years of his life to the students and community of Manawa,” said Wolfgram. “He was well liked by his students and colleagues as he made everyone feel respected and confident in their abilities.”

Wolfgram thanked them both for their years of service and wished them well in their retirement.

The Board will meet next at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 in the board room at the Manawa Elementary School.