More than 40 call it a career in Elk River Area School District

Work spans range from single digits to 30-plus years

by Michael Schoemer

District 728 Communications

A pair of leaders bid farewell to ISD 728, wrapping up careers marked with leadership, caring for students, innovation and, above all, friendship.

Terry Bizal, principal of Elk River High School for nearly two decades, and Deanna Chiodo, a member of the Ivan Sand Community High School family for more than 20 years and principal for the past several, have retired.

At ERHS, Bizal was a fixture for most of this current century. A principal for the last 17 years, Bizal helped lead and champion Hockey Day Minnesota, something that brought a huge amount of publicity and a spotlight for Elk River and Elk River hockey. As a dad, he raised two hockey standouts — including a member of Team USA.

But it was his leadership at school that came through in some of the tougher times that community members will remember. First, during an incident at ERHS that sidelined much of the Elks football team. The program — thanks to Bizal, activities director Mike Cunningham and coaches — has rebounded to become championship caliber.

Then, as major renovations were being constructed building-wide, a massive storm shut down part of the school due to flooding, right at the start of the 2016-2017 school year. An adapted schedule was used as crews cleaned up the mess, and the year went off without a hitch.

Finally, guiding a high school of more than 1,400 through a pandemic — and a “drive-up” graduation concept — in 2020 was no small feat.

“Terry has always been more than just a principal — he’s a mentor, and a friend,” Rogers High Principal Jason Paurus said. “Whenever I needed a pick-me-up or a good laugh, Terry was just a phone call away. His ability to share a funny story and offer valuable advice always brought a smile to my face. The friendly rivalry between ERHS and RHS was always a highlight of my time working with him. Despite the competition, Terry always fostered a sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him and to witness the positive impact he has had on both the students and staff there.”

For Chiodo, the longtime social studies teacher and de facto “assistant” to then principal Tom Hoffman has always been a student favorite. She was often singled out at graduation for hugs, noted in speeches, and featured in videos for her caring and interest in students’ lives beyond the school walls.

“You have always sought out ways to make a difference,” said Superintendent Dan Bittman at a small retirement recognition at ISCHS. “And I think, as an administrator, that’s the most important thing we can do — is to make a difference in a student’s life.”

Chiodo, too, stepped forward with innovative ideas for students and staff during the pandemic of 2020. From Zooms to drive-by lunches, it culminated with a memorable drive-up graduation ceremony that is still talked about four years later. Even rain and lightning couldn’t derail the joy shown by students that evening.

“Her dedication is probably what’s most notable to anyone who is familiar with Ivan Sand,” said Tim Caskey, executive director of Human Resources. “She’s incredibly committed to seeing kids succeed. She works tirelessly for that. And the families here have been so much better for that.”

As the two ride off into a deserved retirement of travel, spending time with family and whatever else comes next, many at ISD 728 reflected on their impact here.

“So much has changed in the last five to 10 years alone,” Bittman said. “With a successful referendum in 2014 that brought us 1-to-1 technology, to the new facilities created by the community support in 2019, to the pandemic and all the things that changed, [Deanna and Terry] have been a constant. They’re looked to by others who are leaders in our community. We will miss that. But we wish them the best, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”

ZoeAnn Allen Grade 4 Teacher OES 32

David R Anderson Lead Custodian OES 12

Wanda Anderson General Assistant ECFE 25

Terrence Bizal Principal ERHS 17

Mary Boerger Spec. Ed. Asst. PVES 27

Anne Brower Grade 5 Teacher WES 30

Julie Burkland Head Cook WES 26

Kimberly Bystrom Spec. Educ. Asst. RES 24

Deanna Chiodo Principal ISCHS 33

Michael Cloutier Custodian VMS 19

Jodi Conrath Speech Clinician DW/MES 24

Judith Dailey-Willms Finance Specialist DO 4

Richard Egeberg Work Based Learning Teacher RHS 25

Mary Farber Art Teacher ZES 30

Joan Finkbeiner Sr Admin. Asst. DW 17

Ann Froemming Social Studies Teacher RHS 29

Heidi Gilbertson Speech Clinician DW 5

Janet Halseth Head Cook RHS 23

Jennifer Hertz English Teacher RMS 21

Vikki Husmann Spec. Educ. Asst. WES 27

Pamela Iannazzo Spec. Educ. Asst. RHS/LES 13

Penny Jakubiec Spec. Educ. Asst. HFC 24

Jill Barthel Cook Helper WES 10

Pamela Knitter Spec. Educ. Asst. PES 21

Catherin Koch Spec. Educ. Asst. PVMS 1

Heidi Koosmann Kindergarten Teacher LES 15

Michelle Kratzke Instructional Assistant ZES 17

Carol Krois Grade 3 Teacher WES 35

Judith Larson Sr Admin. Asst. HFC 29

Kathleen Lewin Media Generalist TLES 32

Julie McChesney Phy. Ed. Teacher WES 34

Edythe Mikish Admin. Asst. CE 30

Doreen Muellenbach Supervision Assistant WES 21

Nancy Nies Prep Cook RHS 20

Clifford Nord Custodian TLES 4

Harry O’Davis ESL Teacher OES 20

Janelle Patterson Spec. Educ. Asst. TLES 16

Julie Peterson Math Teacher ERHS 34

Cynthia Pollock Spec. Educ. Asst. PVES 18

Mary Rasmussen Spec. Educ. Asst. PVES 2

Nancy Rebstock Vision Impaired Teacher DW 3

Mary Rokke Spec. Educ. Asst. LES 12

Tracy Runge Spec. Educ. Asst. RES 15

Kathleen Seymour Instructional Asst. RES 3

Mary Stodola Cook Helper DW 2

Patrick Suko Phy. Ed. Teacher TLES 30

Julie Swift Media Assistant RMS 25

Joel Syverson Custodian ZM/HS 3

Jeffrey Tornquist ASD/DCD Teacher Compass 13

Debbie Wendt Custodian TLES 7

Jean Westman SLD Teacher ERHS 23 *