Sawyer Principal Leaving for Texas

Randy Podhaski, 's principal of seven years, has announced that he is leaving to take on a new role as principal at Mountain View Elementary School in Harker Heights, Texas.

The move will bring him closer to his daughters, who also live in Texas.

“There are no words to express my appreciation for friendship, collegiality, and support during my time in Ames,” Podhaski said in a statement prepared by Kathy Hanson, Director of School, Community and Media Relations.

“I am reminded of a Dr. Suess quote, ‘Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.’ I am both happy for what I had but also happy for what lies ahead,” Podhaski said.

Superintendent Tim Taylor said Podhaski has turned every challenge into an opportunity.

“Podhaski believes every student can learn when given the right support, attention and instruction,” Taylor said in the statement. “His leadership inspired teachers and motivated students at Sawyer.”

Before working at Sawyer, Podhaski also served as a principal for three years at .

Podhaski is the second administrative leader to announce their resignation before the start of the 2012 school year. Chris Paulsen, an associate principal at , left for an opportunity in Arizona allowing to move up from the . That was followed by moving , the principal of , to fill the opening left by Anderson.

Hanson said the district does not expect any more resignations and new principals for Sawyer and Mitchell schools will be announced soon.