Change is in the air at Gretna High with the arrival of two new assistant principals. Both wanted to share their hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year and a little bit about themselves, with one even saying, “I don’t know the students yet, but I already love them.”
The two new administrators, Trent Steele and Zach Fleer, both said they have plans and goals for themselves and the school. Steele has been in education for 23 years, and Fleer has also been in the field for 10 years.
“Trust is earned, it’s earned over time,” Steele said. “It’s developed through relationships by following through … doing what you say you’re gonna do.”
Steele also noted that trust is built through multiple interactions with students, a process that enables them to become trusted adults in their lives. Fleer described that building trust is like a Ted Lasso quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.”
“I like to use the phrase ‘presume positive intent at all times’ and always assume the best about people,” Fleer said.
Both assistant principals said they believe GHS differs from other schools.
“Gretna has an utter total commitment to helping students be successful,” Steele said.
Fleer said he sees students from Gretna as well-rounded.
“Before school started, one of the alumni came in and talked to me, and the way he communicated with me was widely respectful, and I believe that the accountability policy here is a huge deal, and I think kids’ characters show it,” Fleer said.
Sophomore Jack Huttmann, Principal Theresa Huttmann’s son, said he enjoys talking and getting to know these new school leaders and wants to see what will happen in the next few years.
“I met Mr. Steele first, and you can tell he’s in it for the kids and is a huge talker,” Huttmann said. “He was involved in a bunch of sports and things this summer, and Mr. Fleer is super sociable and can also hold a good conversation, and I believe they fit in well.”
Fleer was also involved in Campus Ministry for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and said he loves to help students out.
“I had a harder upbringing than most, but I was really blessed to have an administrator, a counselor, a teacher, and a coach to help, and they became my village and took care of me,” Fleer said.
Steele also provided a word of advice for students. Everyone needs to have a “personal board of directors,” which he explained is five adults in someone’s life who can help them with anything they would need, such as a personal recommendation letter, words of wisdom, or just to be there.
So how can a new administrator maintain authority but still be approachable?
“Well, I don’t think you can have one without the other; you can’t have authority without being approachable,” Steele said.
Similarly, Fleer shared how he works to build that connection in his own way.
“I want to slowly get to know kids, and I think if it comes to any disciplinary things, it’s going to come to your parents, and I just wanna partner with them to get you the best education possible,” Fleer said.
Both assistant principals have high goals for academics and extracurriculars, but Fleer’s said his goal for academics is an attempt at getting most, if not all, to score a 20 on the ACT standardized test.
“That’s probably a lofty goal, but I think it is very feasible,” he said.
Steele said he would like all kids to have an enjoyable high school experience and wants them to love the part of life they are in now. Extracurriculars are definitely part of that.
“Every time one of us performs, every time one of us steps onto a court or field or takes the stage or works behind the stage, they represent us, they represent everybody, and they carry our name, that’s what makes it so special.”
Fleer and Steele said they were both motivated to become school principals because they enjoy helping students.
“I love using a boxing analogy, that being, I want to be the best corner a man can be for students,” Steele said. “Just supporting them in any way they need it.”
Steele has also started a new club, the Green Army, which helps with student involvement in the student section at games and keeps things rolling to make sure everyone has an opinion that is heard.
So what would both men like students to know about them?
“I don’t know them (students) yet,” Steele said. “But I already love them. And I want to be an educator, not an enforcer to them as well.”
Fleer, who has worked with kids all of his professional life, said he loves to say, “Enjoy the moment of life you are in now and for what it is.”
