As of August 1, 2015, Arcola School principal Kevin Hengen will be the superindendent of schools for the east service area of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division. Hengen will not only continue to serve Arcola School in his new role, but will also work primarily from Carlyle, where he will oversee the school there, as well as educational institutions from an area that encompasses Stoughton to the Manitoba border along Hwy 13, as well as north through Wawota, Maryfield, Moosomin, Wapella and Rocanville.
“I'm excited about the new challenge that is in front of me,” says Hengen. “And look forward to working with the Board of Education, the Senior Leadership Team and the schools in the east area of the school division to continue to improve the learning outcomes of our students.”
Hengen lives in Arcola-his hometown- with his wife Carrie and their two children, Taylor and Shaleen, both students at Arcola School. Hengen grew up in Arcola and has been at Arcola School in some capacity-either as a student, teacher or administrator for 30 years.
Hengen attended Arcola School from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He earned his Bachelor of Education degree in 1994 from the University of Regina and began his teaching career in Arcola in 1995. He served as vice-principal in Arcola from 2005 to 2007, then moved to Stoughton Central School where he was principal for one year, before returning to Arcola as principal in 2008, the position he currently holds. Hengen also earned his Masters of Education degree from Brandon University in 2010, while serving as Arcola's principal
His father, Joe Hengen, spent 17 years at Arcola School as both teacher and principal, and his eldest daughter, Taylor,will graduate from the school this year.
“There have been a lot of Hengens here for quite a few years,” he says. “I have a sister-in-law, Colleen, who also works here at the school,” he laughs. “So there's been a Hengen on staff at Arcola School since 1974.”
Hengen says he welcomes his latest professional challenge. “I was ready for a new challenge in my career. I've been the principal here for seven years, and Arcola will continue to be home, but I was looking for a new challenge, and I'm looking forward to it.”
“I would like to thank the communities of Arcola, Kisbey, and Pheasant Rump for their support over the years,” he adds.
“The staff at the school here in Arcola have been a great team, and I owe them my thanks. I have really enjoyed my time here and I am looking forward to serving schools in the South East Cornerstone School Division.”
Hengen will oversee 12 schools in the east area, and will be working with them all on the school division's goals in reading, writing, math, as well as improving high school graduation rates within the division's east service area.
“I wanted to get involved with the senior leadership team in the division, and work in a different capacity than principal,” says Hengen. “I'll be working on getting division goals implemented into school improvement plans, and helping to get those goals implemented into schools.”
South East Cornerstone Public School Division's Director of Education, Lynn Little says, “Mr. Hengen has been a tremendous leader at the school administration level. He, along with his staff, community, School Community Council and partners have worked collaboratively to improve the learning outcomes positively for all students in SECPSD. We look forward to Kevin's contributions and to working with him in his new capacity.”
