Joel Martin; photo courtesy of Heartland AEA

At the most recent Perry School Board meeting, Elementary Co-Principal Joel Martin announced he would be resigning effective the end of the current school year.

Superintendent Lynn Ubben read a statement from Martin to the school board, stating that he will be a new elementary principal in the Ankeny School District. Ubben, who knew of Martin’s plans ahead of the meeting, further explains his reasons, “He has in-laws in Ankeny. You know, this was an advancement, to be head principal, and just kind of one of those opportunities that came up that he thought he couldn’t pass up. But I know he will definitely miss the community and the kids, and I’m sure he’ll be back to see us once in awhile. But good luck to him.”

Ubben says they haven’t had a chance to discuss if they’ll hire a replacement for Martin or have current Co-Principal Ned Menke fully take over the position. However, she says it’s a building of nearly 800 students, and few question the necessity of having two administrators.