Guthrie Center Elementary will have a new face on their administrative team for the upcoming school year.

Principal Tandem Eischeid replaces the building’s long-time principal Diane Flanery who retired last year, and is in his first position outside of a classroom. He says that he’s spent 16 years in education, with his main role being a classroom teacher, but that he’s also had some experience working on a building leadership team.

Eischeid tells Raccoon Valley Radio that he’s received a warm welcome from the community.

“I’m super excited, and this is my first admin/leadership role, so I guarantee I’ll make some mistakes. But no one’s gonna work harder than me to fix those as soon as I can. And I suppose maybe a little grace and a little patience with me, because I’m learning as I go and trying to get better everyday.”

Eischeid taught in Des Moines for the first five years of his career, and in Waukee the next 11 years. He adds that he realizes that he has big shoes to fill, but that he’s excited to get to work, meet the students, and begin living in the community when construction of his home is finished.