Linda Henze changes roles after two decades as school secretary

WAITSBURG-For more than 20 years, visitors to the Waitsburg Elementary School office have been greeted by the smiling face of Linda Henze. With Henze's recent promotion to Human Resources/Fiscal Assistant, Hannah Peterson takes her place in the elementary school office.

Henze began working for the Waitsburg School District in 1997 as elementary school secretary in 1997. As time passed, her duties grew and she eventually took on the title of District Administrative Assistant, under superintendent Robbie Johnson.

"I continued to support the elementary building staff, but took on district support duties as well," Henze said.

"I have enjoyed by interactions with students, parents and community members over the years. I have also enjoyed being in a position to help the district with implementing changes to our electronic student management system to meet the state and federal reporting requirements. Working in a small school district, one learns very quickly that you need to be able to multi-task and not be afraid to wear multiple hats throughout the day. It is very rewarding but challenging at the same time," she added.

Henze added a new "hat" to her wardrobe when she took the position of Human Resources/Fiscal Assistant in January. She is still located in the elementary school, just not at the front desk.

Henze said the new position was created to help meet the growing responsibilities and reporting that the state and federal governments have placed on schools at the local level.

"My new responsibilities are to assist Becky Dunn (business and human resources manager). There has been a delay in my training in this new position as I recently had shoulder surgery and was off six weeks, recovering. I'm now back to work and ready to jump in. Becky and I are working together to transition some of her responsibilities over to me," she said.

Henze said she will miss being the first point-of-contact with students and parents as they come into the district office but that she is excited to jump in and gain knowledge in her new position.

Henze has been replaced in the elementary school office by Hannah Peterson who was the former Administrative Assistant for the Starbuck School District. Peterson lives in Waitsburg and said she was excited to be able to work in the community she lives in.

"I absolutely love working here at the Waitsburg School District. Since the first day I started all students, parents and staff have been so kind and welcoming. Every day is different from the last which makes it so fun," Peterson said.

Peterson said she handles basic secretarial duties, including facilities requests, monthly newsletters and serving as chief "Band-Aid and ice pack distributor."

"Being around the kids is by far the best part of my job. I have so many students who pop their head in the office to say 'hi' daily. I try to spend my free time with the students. I now have 4th graders reading to me daily in the afternoon and I try to peek into the music and lunch room every chance I get," Peterson said.