In all my years with the district, I had never opened a building. Working through the process, from the planning to the construction to welcoming the first students, was a highlight of my career.

As principals, we often share the belief with parents that education for their children is a journey and not a race. I am very proud of all those former students who have become successful or happy with their lives.

We see our clientele as people from the Des Moines area who want a quick getaway, travelers passing through and also the occasional business traveler. We hope we can make them comfortable in our wonderful little town.

Having a project to move on to together definitely makes this process easier. We've been dreaming of doing this for quite some time.

You begin to watch your contemporaries retire, and that's bound to make you think of your own situation, your own future. In some ways, that makes it easier to go on to the next phase.

We are moving forward with the planning stages. We don't have a lease yet.