When students return to Clarke Elementary this fall, they’ll find more than newly renovated classrooms. They’ll also be greeted by a new administrative team leading the school into the 2026-27 academic year.
Clarke Elementary’s new Administrative Team: Cory Wenthe, Annie Halsband, and James Puderbaugh will be kicking off the 2026-27 school year.
Leading the team is Elementary Principal Cory Wenthe, who steps into the role after serving as the school’s associate principal since 2023. Joining him are Associate Principals Annie Halsband and James Puderbaugh, marking the first time Clarke Elementary will have two associate principals serving alongside its principal.
The implementation of this three-person administrative model marks a new chapter for Clarke Elementary. While common in larger districts, the model is relatively uncommon in rural Iowa and reflects the district’s continued growth and investment in student success.
The team’s first year together also coincides with one of the busiest summers in recent memory as major renovations continue throughout the elementary building. Entire classroom wings, the library and learning spaces were emptied this spring, requiring teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians and staff to work side-by-side to prepare the building for construction.
For Wenthe, the new administrative structure provides an opportunity to build a collaborative leadership team that blends experience with fresh perspectives.
“I have two people I can bounce ideas off of,” Wenthe said. “Annie brings years of experience and knowledge about our building and community, while James brings a fresh perspective and asks the kinds of questions that make all of us think differently. Together, that makes us stronger.”
Halsband begins her 18th year with the Clarke Community School District. After serving as a second-grade teacher, she moved into the district’s Success Coach leadership role before transitioning into administration. She believes the team’s greatest strength is the trust they’ve already established.
“We’re a unified team,” Halsband said. “We make decisions based on what’s best for kids, teachers and families. We all bring different perspectives, but we’re comfortable challenging each other and working together toward the same goal.”
Puderbaugh joins Clarke after a 26-year career with Des Moines Public Schools, serving in classroom, behavior support and leadership roles at several elementary schools. Growing up in a rural community and still living on a farm near St. Charles made Clarke feel like a natural fit.
“The community has been incredibly welcoming,” Puderbaugh said. “It already feels like home.”
As construction progresses, school leaders are equally excited about what will happen inside the classrooms.
This year, teachers will participate in new professional development centered on practical classroom behavior strategies they can immediately implement. The district will also continue expanding its dual language program, introduce a new elementary agriculture class, increase student support with an additional elementary counselor, and introduce expanded meal options through its new partnership with Chartwells.
Families will also notice a new Friday early dismissal schedule. While the concept of regular early dismissals will be familiar to many families, the dedicated Friday collaboration time will provide teachers with opportunities for professional learning, planning and data review as they continue strengthening instruction throughout the school year.
District Communications Director Becca Kedley said these changes reflect a broader commitment to strengthening both the student experience and the support systems behind it while ensuring Clarke continues building on the momentum of recent years.
For Wenthe, the combination of updated facilities, dedicated educators and a collaborative leadership team has created genuine excitement heading into the new school year.
“We have an outstanding staff,” Wenthe said. “We have experienced teachers, talented new teachers and people who genuinely care about our kids. There’s a lot of positive momentum heading into this school year.”
Puderbaugh has already experienced the community’s fun and welcoming spirit firsthand. Shortly after arriving in Osceola, a local restaurant employee recognized his Clarke staff lanyard, welcomed him to town and treated him to a complimentary drink.
“That is the kind of rural Iowa spirit I missed working in the metro,” said Puderbaugh.
It’s a small gesture, but one that perfectly captures what the new leadership team says makes Clarke special, a community that rallies around its schools.
As students and families prepare for another school year, Clarke Elementary is preparing to open its doors with updated facilities, strengthened leadership and a shared sense of optimism for what lies ahead.
For questions about the new administrative team or additional information regarding elementary renovations and upcoming back-to-school activities, please contact the Clarke Community School District Office at 800 One Tribe Drive, Osceola, IA 50213, or call (641) 342-4969.
