Winfield-Mt Union welcomes Coen back

WINFIELD — Residents of Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District rejoiced this past week when it was announced on the W-MU Facebook page that former superintendent Pat Coen would return as superintendent for the district, starting July 1. Coen previously served the district as superintendent from 2009-2014.

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"It feels great to be coming back," said Coen. "I owe Winfield a debt of gratitude."

Noting that not only is his wife, Jenna Krieger-Coen and her family are from the Winfield-Mt. Union area -as many know the Krieger family well- but the W-MU district took a chance on Coen's first superintendency years ago when he was initially named superintendent, and it has remained an important place in his life.

"Robin Therme (previous school board president) brought me in and provided amazing guidance," said Coen, reflecting on his beginnings as superintendent.

Previously W-MU shared their superintendent with another district, most recently Columbus Junction and previously WACO schools, however this time around, Coen will solely serve the W-MU district.

"I'm not working there for the money," Coen said, explaining that due to Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS), his income is capped. His military career has also provided his health insurance, so the district doesn't need to financially cover that either. "It just feels great to be coming back to a position where I can help people again," said Coen.

His experience at WACO also will help the district navigate the new four-day-week in the upcoming school year, noted Coen.

"I worked alongside the teachers as we worked on putting that together,“ he said. ”The good far outweighs the bad. It's a good thing, and I'm so excited."

Coen hopes that if families in the W-MU district struggle with aspects of the change to a four-day-week, they feel comfortable speaking up about their issues and communicating with him.

"Don't stew about it," he said. "Let us know right away. This board isn't going to ignore things. They will solve the issues in a collaborative way."

Coen's core belief when it comes to education is that it's especially important to value all children, regardless of their after graduation plans.

"I strive to have a profoundly positive impact on each student's adult quality of life, brought about by their individual and collective educational experiences," stated Coen. A belief that surely proves why the W-MU district is so eager to welcome his return to their halls.