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Austin Public Schools has announced the hiring of Kim Goblirsch as the new assistant principal at Austin High School.

Goblirsch has worked in education for well over a decade, both in the classroom and in site leadership, and in 2021 was one of the top nine finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Catherine University and her principal’s License from Concordia University.

As an educator and leader, Goblirsch’s philosophy is: “to seek ways to make improvements in everything we do. Maintaining this mantra helps me … set an example that we are all life-long learners.”

“[Kim] brings a wealth of educational experiences, including leadership in multi-tiered support systems, a new strategic priority,” Superintendent Joey Page said in a press release Wednesday. “We believe she is an excellent addition to the Austin High School leadership team.”

“I am honored to join the amazing learning community at Austin Public Schools,” Goblirsch said. “I look forward to serving students, staff, and families as we aim for excellence.”

Goblirsch will be taking over for outgoing AHS assistant principal Karen Dunbar, who will be moving to the position of Ellis Middle School assistant principal next year.

APS also announced the hiring of Paula Ziems as the new Dean of Students at Ellis Middle School.

Ziems has worked as a Special Education Teacher at Austin High School since 2017, and holds a Master’s in Special Education and multiple graduate teaching certificates from Mankato State University.

  “We are very excited to bring Ms. Ziems on board at Ellis Middle School as the Dean of Students,” said incoming Ellis pPrincipal Dewey Schara. “She brings classroom and special education teaching experience to our team. Her passion for building strong relationships with students and staff make her a perfect fit.”

 Dean of Students is a new position at Ellis Middle School, created as part of an administrative reorganization to create a single campus and leadership structure between Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School.

“I am beyond excited to serve as the Dean of Students at Ellis Middle School, and it will be an honor to partner with some great administrators as we work together to grow and strengthen the mission of our school,” Ziems said.  “I’m looking forward to building and growing relationships with our teachers, staff, and students.”

To learn more about Austin Public Schools, visit http://www.austin.k12.mn.us.