Among a series of early retirement requests approved by the Perry School Board at their February 13 meeting was that of Senior High Assistant Prinicipal Gary Czerniakowski, who is stepping down after 11 years with the district.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, but I know it is the right one,” Czerniakowski said. “I have really enjoyed my time in Perry. This community really cares about education, and you see how they care in the kind of facilities we have and all the ways they support the school and school activities.”
Czerniakowski, 57, came to Perry after 11 years at North Mahaska. Prior to his move to New Sharon he had served three years as a football coach at St. Ambrose University (Davenport) after two years as a grid coach at Grinnell College. His career in education began at Albia, where he spent three years.
The prior director of learning supports, he has been assistant principal at Perry Senior High the past eight school years.
Czerniakowski said one advantage of retiring early would be the opportunity to move closer to his parents, who now reside in the Columbus Junction area.
The University of Iowa graduate grew up in Sayreville, N.J. The borough of nearly 45,000 is just south and west of Staten Island, and thus on the border — such as it is — of the New York City metropolitan area.
That meant a racially diverse surrounding, and while Albia and North Mahaska have numerous advantages, one thing they lack, and which Perry offered, was a school district of mixed colors, heritages, cultures and languages.
“I love the diversity we have here and will always believe it is very much a positive,” Czerniakowski said. “It can present challenges, but the rewards for everyone, especially the students, are greater. I will miss the people I work with and our students.”
