New Assistant Principal Heidi Klukas has spent nearly two decades as a high school administrator and nearly three working as an educator.
After starting as an English teacher, with some quick stints in Chicago, New York City and St. Paul. She transitioned to administration. She brought with her a passion for helping students achieve their college and career goals.
“It’s all about putting students at the center,” she said, emphasizing the importance of student voice.
“My entire career has centered around high schools,” she added.
Transitioning to Stillwater after nearly two decades at another school was a big move for Klukas, in her desire for new challenges and fresh experiences. Reflecting on her long career, she shared a story from her early days when she taught English in a rural high school in Hungary.
“It was the mid-90s, and Hungary had just transitioned out of communism. It was a wild time to be there,” Klukas said.
With few phones and horse drawn carts in her village, this chapter of her career helped shape her love for teaching.
Her hiring was because of her expertise in two areas: equity work and concurrent enrollment programs.
Principal Rob Bach highlighted these strengths, noting that Klukas was instrumental in fostering student success by ensuring they could earn college credits while in high school. Her leadership has already had an impact.
“She’s developed good relationships with students and families, which is a big part of who we are,” Principal Rob Bach said. She feels she’s made the right choice .
“The students here are outstanding. Meeting kids like you reminds me that I’m meant to be here,” she said.
Then, when asked about her experience working with Heidi Klukas, Secretary Shelly Enhelder emphasized Klukas’ hands on approach and commitment to connecting with both students and staff.
“She doesn’t sit in her office; she’s always out talking to people,” Enhelder said.
This approach sets her a part from many in similar roles. According to Enhelder, Klukas is always willing to learn, research, and improve qualities that make her invaluable in her role.
When Klukas transitioned to With 17 years of experience as an Assistant Principal at Simley High School, Klukas has led initiatives in equity, college readiness, and concurrent enrollment programs. Her commitment to student voices and leadership continues to shape her approach to education. She connects students’ high school experiences to post-graduation.
“My most important thing that I try to build out my work around is student voice and having students at the center,” Klukas explained.
Klukas’s experience and dedication to student voice. Her focus on college and career readiness, and community engagement has already made a positive impact.
As she continues her time, her leadership and opportunities for students and families will continue to grow.
