Kristine M. Meyer

St. Paul’s Lutheran School
Waverly, Iowa
krismeyer55@gmail.com

Dr. Kristine Meyer has been the principal of St. Paul’s Lutheran School for the past five years. As early as her first year, Meyer was ready to take on challenges and make changes. She initiated a complete renovation of the playground, raising $85,000 through grants and fundraising projects and involving the family, students, and alumni. Meyer instituted a new vision and set of values in the school. These new ideas took inspiration from Bible verses from the Galatians: “But the fruit of the spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” She also helped her staff design a Response to Behavior plan to define expectations. Because of this important work, there has been an 85-percent decrease in disciplinary visits to the principal’s office. Her relationship-focused leadership style has led to a significant increase in school enrollment. She instituted a parent task force and focused her efforts on community outreach and making families aware of the value to be had at St. Paul’s. Enrollment has increased 23 percent. Meyer makes a concentrated effort to provide training and professional development to her staff. Recently, teaching staff has been trained in the Nurtured Heart Approach, Transforming White Privilege, and Resiliency Education. She holds a B.S. and an M.S. from Buena Vista University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University.