Cornell School Board; Switch-up in staff requires some ingenuity

Cornell School superintendent Paul Schley explained how things are working for the district June 26, as educators come and go. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Things are undoubtedly changing in the Cornell School District, as newly installed middle/high school principal Craig Braaten hasn’t even officially started his responsibilities yet, but barely had time to catch his breath after school ended this spring.

“It’s been an interesting June for me,” he said. Part of Braaten’s busy schedule comes from the resignation of PE teacher/head wrestling coach Greg Sonnentag, that was accepted June 26, during the regular board of education meeting. Sonnentag is leaving to take an assistant principal position with the Cadott School District.

Leaving this district may be one of the most difficult decisions in my life, wrote Sonnentag. I am excited for the new opportunity, yet saddened by what I must leave behind.

With Sonnentag’s departure, Braaten has taken over the duties of athletic director for the time being. Thankfully for Braaten, he’s no stranger to the position, as he’s helped out on that front for Cornell before.

The board also approved the resignation of school psychologist Lynda Lacina.

I have grown a lot as a professional, from my experiences in Cornell, wrote Lacina.

Members also approved the hiring of head wrestling coach Zach Person; PE/health teacher Amanda Gudis; 4K/ EC teacher Taylor Hand; special ed paraprofessional Allana Theesen; and middle school volleyball assistant coach Ali Straschinske.

Superintendent Paul Schley says it might seem like there’s a lot of turnover, but it really isn’t as bad for Cornell as it seems.

“A lot of districts are hiring a lot of people right now,” said Schley.