PHS Dean of Students

The College Community School district is pleased to announce the hiring of Kelly Klekar and Richard Jackson as Deans of Students at Prairie High School.

The Dean of Students are new positions at Prairie High School as part of a restructuring process. The Deans of Students will be responsible for student discipline, academic progress, implementing strategies that will motivate and inspire students to succeed, and monitoring student attendance rates to ensure high results.

“The positions were created to better support students and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Wheeler. “As our district grows, we will continue to investigate structures to support students and staff for a personalized experience.”

Klekar, who currently serves as the Building Facilitator at Prairie High School, has also held positions in At-Risk classrooms, Behavior Focused Special Education and middle school math. Kelly’s leadership highlights include serving as the team leader for Social Emotional and Behavioral Health for staff Professional Learning. She is a member of the District Behavior Matrix Task Force, Tier I/II, and Restorative Practices Implementation.

Klekar received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree in Behavior Focused Special Education and Reading from Morningside College, and received her Administrative degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

“I am thrilled for this new opportunity,” said Klekar. “I am looking forward to working with Prairie High School’s Building Leadership Team as we continue serving our students, staff, families, and community.”

“We are excited to have Kelly begin her role as Dean of Students,” said Prairie High School Principal Karla Thies. “She has done an excellent job in her current position as Building Facilitator and I know she will continue to make meaningful contributions to PHS as a Dean of Students.”

Jackson comes to Prairie from the Cedar Rapids School District where he serves as a Creative Corridor Business Academy School Counselor at Roosevelt Middle School. Prior to his current position he served as the Activities Coordinator at Roosevelt and worked at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center as an Intervention Counselor. His leadership highlights include serving as a presenter for professional development, designing building-wide plans for elopement referrals, and leading a partnership with Tanager place to engage trauma informed care practices.

Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Kings College, a master’s degree in Education School Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa and his Administrative degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

“I am elated for the opportunity to be a part of Prairie High School,” said Jackson. “I am looking forward to working with high school students and their families so that students can succeed academically, socially and emotionally.”

“We are happy to have Rich join the Prairie High School community,” said Thies. “I am confident that he will be a great asset to our school and district. He has a lot of great experiences and I know he will have a positive impact on the lives of our high school students.”

Klekar and Jackson will begin their new roles effective July 1, 2022.