Jonathan Riegler

Jonathan Riegler
Jonathan Riegler

Administrative Recommendation 

          The Kokomo School Corporation Board of School Trustees approved Jonathan Riegler as the new Bon Air Elementary School Principal during its regular June board meeting. Mr. Riegler replaces Dr. Paula Concus, who retired from Bon Air following the 2019-2020 school year.

          After serving two years as Assistant Principal at Elwood Haynes Elementary School, Mr. Riegler is honored to have the opportunity to serve in this new role, and excited for the new challenges.

          “I am eager to continue learning and growing as a leader within Kokomo Schools,” Mr. Riegler noted. “What excites me most about working at Bon Air Elementary School is creating relationships with my staff, my students, my parents, and my community. I look forward to establishing partnerships with all stakeholders to continue building on Bon Air’s growth and momentum, while we work to achieve excellence.”

          Mr. Riegler feels more than prepared for his new position, thanks to the guidance of former Elwood Haynes Principal Kathi Hoover and current Elwood Haynes Principal Laurie Bridge, as well the district administrators who offered him assistance along the way.

          “I have found that staff members in Kokomo Schools always are willing to provide help and guidance,” Mr. Riegler explained. “Many people in Kokomo have helped me grow as an administrator during my past two school years.”

          Mr. Riegler served as an elementary teacher in the Marion school system for nine years before joining the leadership team at Elwood Haynes. The educator had an immediate impact in his new role.

          “Mr. Riegler came to Elwood Haynes highly recommended,” Mrs. Hoover noted. “Mr. Riegler was known in Marion as ‘the kid whisperer.’ After working with him for a year, I understood where that came from. When helping a struggling student, Mr. Riegler always would kneel down and speak softly to the child. Students responded positively to this approach, and Mr. Riegler quickly developed strong relationships with students and their families.”

          Mrs. Hoover described the new Bon Air principal as a fearless problem solver and a champion for all children.

          “I learned as much from Mr. Riegler during our school year together as he did from me,” Mrs. Hoover added.

          Kokomo Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dorothea Irwin noted that Mr. Riegler brings many strengths to his new role at Bon Air. Key among those strengths is the ability to connect with people.

          “Mr. Riegler’s goal is to visit classrooms daily, so students and staff know him, and know how much he cares,” Dr. Irwin explained. “As an assistant principal at Elwood Haynes, Mr. Riegler walked the halls daily to check in with students and staff; he firmly believes that building relationships with his school community is key to a successful school environment.”

          Dr. Irwin added that developing an understanding of his staff, students, and families helps Mr. Riegler better support their interests, and advocate for their needs. The Bon Air community, Dr. Irwin explained, will benefit from Mr. Riegler’s strong work ethic and his unwavering belief in his students and staff.

          “Mr. Riegler sets high expectations for students and staff because he truly believes in their capabilities,” Dr. Irwin said. “We are excited for Mr. Riegler, and for the Bon Air community, as he takes the lead in this new position.”

          Mr. Riegler is thrilled to be joining the Bon Air school community.

          “I am excited for the upcoming school year,” Mr. Riegler said. “The staff at Bon Air is amazing; their love and passion for children is evident.”

          Mr. Riegler also is grateful to continue planting roots in the Kokomo community.

          Upon accepting a job with Kokomo Schools two years ago, Mr. Riegler noted: “Kokomo is what my family considered a dream situation. As we studied the variety of options, my wife and I felt Kokomo Schools was the perfect fit for our family.”

          Mr. Riegler and his wife, Ashley, have four children. Two of those children attend Elwood Haynes Elementary School; one attends Sycamore International Elementary School; and their youngest will attend preschool in 2021.

          “We have nothing but positive things to say about the impact Kokomo Schools has had on our children,” Mr. Riegler added. “During the past two years, our children have grown academically and socially. The kids have loved their teachers, have created friendships, and have developed a love for school.”

          Mr. Riegler offered a special “Thank You” to his wife for her unwavering support.

          “Ashley is great at believing in me and encouraging me,” Mr. Riegler noted. “She is my constant support and motivator.”

          At its July meeting, the Board approved personnel changes with Mrs. Julie Susong filling Mr. Riegler’s position as Elementary Vice Principal at Elwood Haynes and Dr. Heidi Gutwein serving as Assistant Principal at Central Middle International School.

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