As summer comes to an end and school is back in session, new teachers and administrators are kicking off their time in new positions.

River Falls Superintendent David Bell, Ellsworth High School Assistant Principal Rob Heller and River Falls High School Assistant Principal Heidi Link are three of the people getting comfortable in their new roles.

Bell

Bell grew up in Rosemount, Minn., graduated from UW-La Crosse and started his teaching career as a high school chemistry teacher in Hudson. After six years in the job, Bell became the MS/HS principal in Cashton. Bell served six years in the role and eventually became superintendent at the district for four years. In 2017, Bell moved to River Falls to become the director of human resources and leadership in the district before taking the job as superintendent.

Bell said the ultimate priority is maintaining the positive momentum the district already has going, but also making improvements in important areas.

“Look at that strategic plan and prioritize the key aspects of it,” Bell said. “We’ve really zeroed in on ensuring academic growth for all kids, making sure that we’re creating positive connections to help with student engagement and making sure that we have a positive work environment for our employees.”

There is no place Bell would rather be, as he has fallen in love with the district and community in his time, and it made taking the job the obvious decision.

“It’s just a wonderful school district, so for me in my career path, this feels like, essentially, a dream job,” Bell said.

Bell said people can expect him to always be there and share what is going on within the district.

“They can expect that I’m going to be present and available, I’m going to do my best to communicate and listen, provide as much information as I can about topics,” Bell said. “They can expect me to advocate for the school district, advocate for our community. I’m going to cheer our kids on and be a champion for the work that they do.”

Heller

Heller grew up on a farm in Coon Valley and went to high school at La Crosse Central. Heller’s wrestling coach asked him in high school what he wanted to be when he grew up, and while he did not know quite yet, he thought of options like a police officer or a carpenter. The coach suggested becoming a teacher.

“At that point in time I thought teaching was just English and math,” Heller said.

Heller took an interest in technical education, and the rest was history. He went to UW-Stout before heading to Butternut to teach and coach basketball.

“I was probably the only basketball coach in the state with cauliflower ear,” Heller said.

Heller spent time teaching in Viroqua before calling Ellsworth home for the next 10 years. Heller is currently the head coach for Ellsworth’s football team.

“I like to help kids, that’s why I got into education,” Heller said. “People don’t get into teaching because they hate being around kids.”

While the assistant principal role can come with disciplining students, Heller said he can also make a positive impact on their lives.

“I see a lot of students that kind of need help and need some guidance sometimes, and I’m glad to be that person in their life,” Heller said.

For the community, Heller said to expect more of the same from him despite the new role.

“I’m not going to change who I am,” Heller said. “My role changes, but I’m going to be just as passionate about kids and making sure they leave Ellsworth High School better off than they came here.”

Link

Link was from Texas before moving to the Twin Cities in elementary school, eventually graduating from Hudson. Link’s teaching career started at the Forest Lake School District. Link got experience as a social studies teacher and dean of students before moving on to New Richmond. At New Richmond, Link was the assistant principal of academics for three years, before becoming an elementary school principal in New Richmond for three years.

At River Falls, the goal for Link is to help provide students and staff with the necessary tools to build the best possible learning environment.

“First and foremost is to advance student learning,” Link said. “I think that that’s done by providing staff with the best support possible.”

Link said the role will take a lot of communication, self-evaluation and an ability to work with other staff from the district.

“The key to success is constant reflection,” Link said. “A constant key to success is just always being flexible and adaptable.”

The goal for Link is to detect areas the district is either falling short or could realistically improve and find a fix that benefits learning.

“I like to be involved,” Link said. “My goal is always to figure out what the needs are and to fill that need.”