Jason Groendyke named Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year
Jason Groendyke, principal of East Elementary in the Sheldon Community School District, has been named the 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.
“Congratulations to Jason Groendyke on being selected as the 2024 Elementary Principal of the Year! Jason was selected by his peers because he embodies the belief that every child is special, unique and valuable. His dedication to creating a positive culture where everyone sees the immense potential in each student is truly inspiring,” said SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy.
He has been the principal at East Elementary since 2014 and was previously a teacher at the middle school. His career began as a sixth and seventh grade teacher at Albert City-Truesdale. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with endorsements in reading and coaching from Northwestern College and holds a master’s degree in PK-8 educational leadership from the University of Sioux Falls.
Groendyke summed up his experience in this leadership role by quoting President Theodore Roosevelt, “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
He was selected by a committee of Iowa elementary principals and will be recognized at the association’s Annual Conference. The National Association of Elementary School Principals will also honor him as a National Distinguished Principal.