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posted April 30, 2021

Cardinal Community School District’s Elementary Principal, Heather Buckley, was a nominee for the 2021 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year award sponsored by the School Administrators of Iowa. 

"We are pleased to recognize school leaders who provide high-quality learning opportunities for students in Iowa," said Roark Horn, SAI executive director.

Buckley was one of three finalists for the award. She was nominated for her achievements leading a state-recognized preschool program, managing a more than 200 student increase in enrollment over the past seven years, and for Cardinal Elementary’s ranking as a “high performing school” for the last two years on the Iowa School Report Card. 

“Heather is a servant leader who cares deeply about her students, families and staff,” Cardinal CSD Superintendent Joel Pedersen said of the recognition. “We are thankful for her expertise leading our elementary team.”

Buckley has been an elementary principal for Cardinal CSD since 2014. Before that, she worked as the district’s curriculum director. 

“Heather's focus on relationships with our stakeholders serves as the foundation for every decision she makes as a principal,” Pedersen said. “She possesses the rare leadership ability to expect excellence while promoting a positive culture.”

My real endorsement of Cardinal Schools and its faculty and staff can be seen each morning when I hand them the one irreplaceable and most valuable thing in my life: my kids. No letter I write could be a greater endorsement than that simple act. I give them my kids, and I do it with a huge smile on my face because I trust them to do what they are most outstanding at: building our future.
Kevin S. Maggio · Cardinal Parent
Cardinal School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), socioeconomic status (for programs), religion, disability, creed, national origin, marital status (for programs), sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its educational programs and employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinator, Cindy Green.

The Cardinal Community School District offers career and technical  programs in the following service areas:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Health Science
Human Services
Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Cindy Green - cindy.green@cardinalcomet.com
Middle School Principal/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Equity Coordinator
4045 Ashland Rd.
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-7531

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