Pending approval by the Oelwein Community School District Board of Education on May 19, Superintendent Josh Ehn is pleased to announce the appointment of two new elementary principals, effective July 1, 2025.
Seehase
Pamala Seehase has been selected as the new Principal of Wings Park Elementary and will also serve as the District’s Special Education Director. Seehase brings nearly three decades of experience in education, most recently serving in the Tripoli Community School District. Her background includes roles as Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and Professional Development Leader. She also taught more than 20 years in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms. Her deep expertise in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and student support services will serve Oelwein well as the district continues to focus on inclusive education and academic growth.
Frese
Haley Frese will assume the role of Principal at the Little Husky Learning Center (LHLC). Frese has been with Oelwein Community Schools since 2017, serving in multiple instructional leadership roles. She currently works as the district’s Student Success Coordinator and previously served as a K–12 Instructional Coach. Before that, she was a classroom teacher for five years. Frese’s proven dedication to student achievement, staff development, and early learning makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead LHLC into its next phase.
The ability to appoint two full-time principals has been made possible through strategic budget realignment, including the reallocation of Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) funds and newly available Area Education Agency (AEA) flow-through dollars. Importantly, these changes maintain the district’s total full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing level, making the move budget-neutral.
The selection process was conducted in partnership with Grundmeyer Leader Services, a professional firm that supports school leadership searches across Iowa. The district interviewed three highly qualified finalists in a rigorous and collaborative process designed to ensure the best fit for both schools and the broader Oelwein community.
Superintendent Ehn emphasized the significance of the changes:
“As expectations continue to rise for academic achievement, behavior, and whole-child development, our educators and students deserve high-quality, consistent support. With two full-time principals dedicated to Wings Park and LHLC, we can better meet the diverse needs of both buildings.
“This shift will enhance our ability to coach staff, support students, and respond proactively to the challenges of modern education. It’s a strategic move that strengthens our foundation for long-term growth.â€
The district extends its congratulations to Pamala Seehase and Haley Frese and looks forward to the leadership and vision they will bring to their new roles.
