Six new administrators to lead schools

Six new administrators will be among the leaders of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City this year.

Christian A. Bork has been named principal of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City. He earned a bachelor's degree at Wayne State College in history and geography. Bork is currently working on completing his master's in PreK-12 educational administration from Wayne State.

He is currently entering his 11th year at Bishop Heelan. He has served as a social studies instructor, assistant activities director, dean of students as well as a variety of coaching assignments. His 2005 baseball team was 42-4 and won the state championship. That year, Bork was named Coach of the Year.

"It is an honor to serve the families of Bishop Heelan," said Bork. "I look forward to working with the students, parents and our dedicated staff to build on the already established atmosphere of excellence."

Mary Fischer will serve as the new principal at Mater Dei School (I.C. and Nativity Center) in Sioux City. She graduated from Spalding Catholic in Granville in 1983 and earned a bachelor's from Briar Cliff College in 1987. She is presently working towards a master's in elementary administration from USD.

Following college graduation she taught the fourth grade at St. Peter's School in Canby, Minn. She then taught from 1989 to 2004 at Sacred Heart School in Sioux City. From 2004 to 2006 she taught social studies at Mater Dei School before serving as the assistant principal for the last two years.

"It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership responsibilities at Mater Dei School. I am a proud graduate of Catholic Schools and know how important they are to the total education of the student," said Fischer. "I am grateful to the many teachers I have learned from, for those I have worked with, and for those whom I will work for."

Elizabeth Gibney will serve as the principal at St. Catherine-St. Mary's Grade School in Remsen. She earned a bachelor's in education at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wis. And a master's in education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

She has taught and worked in a variety of educational environments ranging from a one-room school with five students to a metro school with over 500 students. She has served as a principal for the last 10 years.

Gibney said her reaction to being named principal at a Catholic school was joy.

"I am able to share my faith with students, who are the future of the Catholic Church," she said. "My greatest reward is seeing students grow as Jesus did in 'wisdom, age and grace.'"

Susan King was named principal at St. Rose of Lima in Denison. She earned her bachelor's at Hastings College and a master's in education administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

She worked for three years at Kenesaw Public School and 11 years at Hastings Catholic Schools.

"I'm excited to continue being a part of Catholic education," said King, who added that while she is new to the diocese and the state, she's thrilled to be a part of Iowa.

Gary Niichel will serve as the 7-12 principal at Spalding Catholic School and the 9-12 principal at St. Mary's in Remsen. He earned his bachelor's at the State College of Iowa (UNI) and his master's at the University of South Dakota.

He taught in Iowa public high schools and at Gehlen Catholic before serving as a principal in public education for 27 years.

"I am honored and blessed to be part of the Spalding Catholic and Remsen St. Mary's families," said Niichel. "It will be a challenging and exciting school year and I know with the Lord's help, we will have a successful year."

Duane Siepker will serve as principal at Sacred Heart School in Boone. He earned a master's in elementary administration at Iowa State University. He was a teacher in Carroll area Catholic schools and served as a principal for 17 years, most recently at St. Cecilia School in Ames.

"I am excited to be the principal at Sacred Heart and continue the tradition of excellence while providing a vision for the future in collaboration with parish, school and diocesan leaders," he said.

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