Caledonia Argus

New principal thrives on studentsí success

Posted: 7/8/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

Cory Klabunde brings a love of kids and a passion for education to his new job as principal at Caledonia High School.

ìI canít imagine doing anything else, and I look forward to going to work in the morning,î Klabunde said. ìI had a great experience in elementary and high school myself, and I wanted to continue that for every generation after me.î

Seeing students achieve in school is the impetus behind his chosen career path. He witnessed it at Minnewaska Area Schools, where he served as principal the past two years, and is confident heíll see much of the same in Caledonia.

ìIím proud of seeing studentsí successes in sports, choir, and band,î he said, ìand Iím proud of just being involved in their lives. When they receive their diplomas after four years, you know youíve affected their lives and you know theyíve made the right choices.î

The Caledonia area is suited to Klabundeís background, considering his experience in small towns, and he feels the move here will make for a smooth transition. He attended high school in Brownton, MN, and graduated in a class of 24 students. Minnewaska Area Schools is located in Glenwood, a small farming community in Western Minnesota.

While the small town environment of Caledonia is a comfort, Klabunde noted, what will also ease the transition to his new post is the presence of Brian Doty. Doty stepped down as CHS principal at the end of this school year, but stayed in the district and assumed the roles of middle school principal, school-to-work coordinator, and special education coordinator. Should any questions or unforeseen complications arise, Dotyís presence will be a safeguard against the unknown.

An added bonus of moving to this region for Klabunde is the many hunting and fishing opportunities it affords. When he traveled to Caledonia for the first time this spring for the job interviews, he was taken by the landscape, and excited to learn that Caledonia is the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota. Heís never hunted turkey before, and looks forward to it later this year.

He and his family, including four kids ranging in age from seven years to four months, plan to make the move to Caledonia in late July or early August.

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