District announces promotion, hiring

CLYDE — Clyde Schools hired and promoted administrators. McPherson Middle School and Clyde Elementary School will start the 2025-26 school year with new principals. Ashli Reineck Ashli Reineck was approved as Clyde Elementary's next principal at the school board's March meeting. Reineck has about two decades of education experience, 17 years of which have been spent teaching in early childhood classrooms and three years as assistant principal at Bellevue Elementary School. As assistant principal, she served morethan 800 students. "Her administrative experience reflects not just managerial competence, but also a student-centered and staff-supportive leadership style," superintendent Lucas Messer said. Reineck's career also shows dedication to continued professional growth. She is working to obtain a superintendent license. She also has other certifications, mentoring and training experience, which Messer said align with the school's vision for data-driven, safe and inclusive learning environments. Messer said Reineck's first-hand experience ensures her leadership comes with empathy, practicality and a clear instructional vision. "Ashli Reineck is a dynamic, experienced and relationship-driven leader who is ready to step into the role of principal with a balance of compassion, competence and a commitment to educational excellence," Messer said. "Her blend of leadership, instructional depth and community-focused values make her a strong fit for Clyde Elementary and an asset to the Clyde-Green Springs School District," Messer added. Reineck said she applied for this position out of inspiration from the teachers who influenced her education journey. "Their passion, dedication and ability to make learning meaningful left a lasting impact on me," Reineck said. "As I grew in my career as an educator, I realized that I wanted to take that inspiration further by supporting teachers and creating a school culture where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired." Going into this new position, Reineck said she feels inspired and excited. She said it is an honor to join a community dedicated to helping students succeed and grow. There are three elements, Reineck said she's excited about with this position. • Building relationships for students, staff and families to feel connected, respected and valued • Creating a positive and safe learning environment where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn. • Partnering with families and the community because it will support students and ensure they have all the needed tools for success. "There's something truly special about the elementary years," Reineck said. "This is where the foundation for lifelong learning and confidence is built. I'm excited to help lead our Clyde Fliers forward, fostering a culture where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to thrive." Ryan Fretz Ryan Fretz has served McPherson Middle School as a teacher, assistant principal and now principal, which he says gives him a unique perspective on the culture, staff and students. His connection to the building goes further with his spouse as a teacher and son as a student. Fretz's four years of work as assistant principal have been tremendous, according to Messer. He has demonstrated leadership, organizational initiative, and a commitment to those in the building. "Throughout his tenure, Mr. Fretz has played a key role in shaping the school's academic and cultural direction, earning him the full confidence of the district as the clear and deserving choice to become the next principal of McPherson Middle School," Messer said. Specifically, Fretz contributed to school improvement through a new building schedule and a structural framework that better aligns with student needs and instruction time. He also developed and expanded a program to celebrate students' effort, character, improvement and leadership, which boosted student morale and built a culture of pride and accountability. "Ryan Fretz is a proven leader who embodies the values and vision of McPherson Middle School," Messer said. "His promotion to principal is not only well-earned but positions the building for continued progress and stability under someone who knows it well, leads with integrity, and believes deeply in the potential of every student and educator." In his new position, Fretz plans to keep the school moving in the positive direction created under retiring principal Brian Cannon. He wants to continue to: • Strengthen the school's culture of connection and character through priorities like a positive and student-centered culture through deep relationships, positive recognition and emphasizing daily engagement • Empower and support the school's staff and transition new staff into new roles at the building • Focus on enhancing literacy across content while also nurturing independence, responsibility and self-advocacy