Springdale Public Schools has named Peter "Pete" Joenks as the new principal for Elmdale Elementary School. He will be replacing Michelle Hutton who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Joenks said he’s excited about the opportunity to work at Elmdale and looks forward to continuing the legacy built by Ms. Hutton and the Elmdale Staff.
"I feel honored and excited to be taking on this new role with such a wonderful faculty and staff at Elmdale." Joenks said. "I want to maintain the wonderful culture that has been built by Michelle Hutton and her faculty and staff that makes Elmdale such a wonderful place for students."
He said he's seen how much Elmdale's faculty and staff care about the school's students and work to diligently help them to be successful in his year with the school.
"I want to continue that tradition and culture while continually looking for ways that we can improve those efforts," Joenks said.
Joenks is transitioning to the position after serving this school year as Elmdale's assistant principal. He’s been an educator for 38 years, 31 of which have been with Springdale Schools.
"Mr. Joenks is uniquely prepared to lead Elmdale moving forward," said Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent. "His 38 years of experience, personal demeanor, and willingness to face difficult challenges with a great attitude, positions him as the right person at the right time for Elmdale."
Joenks worked as a Central Junior High School science teacher for five years before transitioning to Springdale High School, where he taught chemistry and physics for seven years.
Joenks also served as the George Junior High School assistant principal for a year, as well as the Springdale High School assistant principal for four years prior to being named the high school's principal.
"I went to Elmdale as a child from 1st through 6th grade. My mother and father were both employees of Springdale Schools." Joenks said.
Joenks has been married to Laurinda Joenks for over 30 years. Together, they have three basset hounds. His hobbies are reading, cooking, and being a lifelong learner.