Meet 7-12 principal

CRESCO - Lisa Dursky is the new secondary (7-12) principal at Crestwood. 
She comes to Howard-Winneshiek CSD from Andrew, Iowa, serving as middle school and high school ELL Instructor at Dubuque Community School District, Assistant Professor of Education at Clarke University and Online Instructor for VIPKID. 
She has two children, Tyler (age 27) lives in North Liberty and works for Impact 7G. Tori (age 24) lives in Marion and works as a kindergarten teacher for Vinton-Shellsburg CSD. She is married to Jayden who works for Boomerang Corporation as a heavy equipment operator. “Laney is my nine-year-old yellow lab. She loves to go on adventures.”
She grew up at the edge of Andrew, on a farm in Jackson County. “Dad grew alfalfa, corn and oats. He raised hogs, sheep, and cattle. Mom was a housewife, who tended a large garden to keep us fed year-round. We attended church every Sunday and were involved in school and community activities. If I got in trouble, I had to chop down thistles in the pasture. If I said anything inappropriate, Mom put a slice of Lava soap on my tongue! My parents’ motto was ‘Hard work never hurts anyone.’”
Ms. Dursky attended Andrew Community School District (K-12), UNI (Bachelor’s degree) in Education and German, Drake (Master’s degree) in Curriculum & Instruction (Effective Teaching) and UNI (Specialist’s degree) in Educational Leadership (Principalship).
The principal was told the How-Winn staff is very strong and the students are dedicated and caring. “I am finding out both of these statements are true. Also,  I was always finding reasons to escape to Northeast Iowa because of its beauty. Now that I’m part of the community, my family is blocking off weekends to come visit and experience the beauty of this area with me!”
The area is also a convenient location for many of her hobbies, including spending time with family and friends, walking, biking, kayaking, skiing, reading and enjoying  the outdoors.
Dursky is looking forward to getting to know the students, teachers, staff and community during her first year. 
Her first few weeks was a little rough. “Not all students and parents wanted me to enforce policies. I know it’s the best practice, so I will continue to put energy and effort toward improving attendance, academics and culture. I applied for the principal position looking for a challenge, and my positive attitude and undying determination will advance our secondary school.”
Other goals include assisting the teachers in finding teaching materials that will advance the learning of the students. “I also would love to see the high school library and music department updated to look as amazing as the rest of our facilities,” she said.
Dursky noted there is always room for improvement in any aspect of life. “I want to assist students and staff in setting attainable goals in areas they see a need. I want to break down barriers so they succeed in their endeavors.”
One of her proudest moments in education happened during the pandemic. “The summer school literacy camp was going to be canceled. I used my background knowledge from online teaching to devise an online interactive literacy camp that students and parents loved and raved about. I was awarded an Excellence in Education award for my effort and success. 
“As an administrator, I am very proud when I witness students making good choices that will advance them in their future careers.”
Dursky is happy to be in Howard County. “It feels like home since I’m surrounded by farmland and rolling hills.The people are very welcoming. I adjusted very easily even though I didn’t know a single person moving here. I love all the outdoor activities available in this area.”
Area residents welcome Dursky and wish her good luck in both her work and play time.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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