Blake Henely
Principal
Lake Mills,IA
The ability to nurture relationships that motivate people to be their best is difficult and time-consuming. But Blake understands the dividends gained with that investment.
Dewey Schara
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in K-12 administration, instructional leadership, school safety, and strategic planning. Skilled in team building, district-wide collaboration, and budget management. Proven ability to lead schools toward academic excellence through innovative approaches, technology integration, and a strong focus on student well-being. Adept at building positive relationships with students, parents, and staff, and leading school improvement initiatives that yield measurable results. Holds superintendent and principal licenses in both Minnesota and Iowa.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
4029
4029
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Principal
Austin Public Schools
Austin, MN
7 2023 - Current
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of a K-4 elementary school, maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports academic excellence and student growth.
- Oversee building operations, safety protocols, and instructional leadership, ensuring alignment with district goals and compliance with educational standards.
- Collaborated on district-wide strategic planning and led the development of a successful building improvement plan, enhancing facilities and resources to support learning outcomes.
- Serve as President, advocating for principals and supporting professional development initiatives.
- Act as Chief Negotiator for the principal bargaining agreement, achieving balanced solutions that benefit principals and align with district priorities.
- Played a pivotal role in the successful passage of multiple operating referendums, securing essential funding for the school.
Assistant Principal
Austin Public Schools
Austin, MN
07.2018 - 01.2023
- Lead instructional programs for 5th and 6th grade, including development of a 5-year STEAM implementation plan
- Supervised and evaluated instructional and support staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration
- Created and implemented school-wide PBIS strategies, achieving Sustaining Exemplar PBIS School status in 2021
- Led building safety initiatives, including organizing emergency drills and crisis response teams
- Managed student behavior and implemented an Academic Recovery Room to support behavior and academic growth.
- Developed and launched an online educational platform to ensure continuity of learning and meet virtual learning requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Associate Principal
Mason City Public Schools
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Facilitated instructional leadership for 5th and 6th grade, driving improvements in teaching practices and student outcomes
- Developed financial plans, schedules, and organized extracurricular events
- Led PBIS initiatives and collaborated with staff to foster a positive school culture
- Introduced innovative programs, including the Makerspace and flipped staff meetings, to integrate technology and increase instructional efficiency
Technology Integrationist and Innovation Coach
Austin Public Schools
08.2014 - 07.2016
- Designed and implemented new learning environments in collaboration with the University of Minnesota
- Secured a $25,000 Monsanto Education Grant for technology improvements
- Led the redesign of a science lab to house Project Lead the Way programs and developed a comprehensive 3-year technology plan
Elementary Teacher
Austin Public Schools
07.2010 - 08.2014
- Taught 4th and 5th grade, focusing on differentiated instruction and student engagement
- Implemented Project Lead the Way curriculum to enhance STEM learning
Education
05.2018 - 05.2019
Educational Specialist - Educational Administration
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education (K-6)
Reading Endorsement
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education (K-6)
Reading & Coaching Endorsement
Skills
Relationship building and networking
Additional Education and Professional Development
- University of Minnesota Principals Academy (NISL)
- Leading Authentic Learning, Iowa AEA
- Culturally Responsive School Leadership, University of Minnesota Principals Academy
- IEvaluate – Educator Evaluator Training, Iowa AEA
- Special Education Supervision, Morningside College EDUC 550
Additional Skills and Certifications
- Minnesota Principals Academy
- Strategic Planning
- Chief Contract Negotiator
- Principal Mentor
- Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Training
- ALICE School Safety Training
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Check and Connect Trainer
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier 1 & Tier 2
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Lead Teacher Project Lead the Way
- Grading for Learning
References
- Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent of Schools 401 3rd Ave NW, Austin, MN, 55912, 507-460-1900, 507-601-8189, joey.page@austin.k12.mn.us
- Dr. Katie Baskin, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Austin Public Schools, 401 3rd Ave NW, Austin, MN, 55912, 507-460-1914, 507-475-4483, katie.baskin@austin.k12.mn.us
- Sheila Berger, K-4 Curriculum and K-12 English Learners Coordinator, Austin Public Schools, 401 3rd Ave NW, Austin, MN, 55912, 507-460-1923, 641-590-2743
Community Service
- Southeast Minnesota Legislative Representative for MESPA
- Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MESPA)
- Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association
- Mower County STEM Club
- Connecting Young Professionals
- Morning Kiwanis
- Church Council President
- School Administrators of Iowa
- 4-H Horse Club Leader
Professionallicenses
District Superintendent (K-12), Principal (K-12), PK-12 Superintendent, AEA Administrator, PK-12 Principal, PK-12 Special Education Supervisor, Evaluator
Timeline
Assistant Principal - Austin Public Schools
07.2018 - 01.2023
Saint Mary’s University - ,
05.2018 - 05.2019
Associate Principal - Mason City Public Schools
08.2016 - 06.2018
Technology Integrationist and Innovation Coach - Austin Public Schools
08.2014 - 07.2016
Elementary Teacher - Austin Public Schools
07.2010 - 08.2014
University of Buena Vista - Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education (K-6)
North Iowa Area Community College - Associate of Arts, Elementary Education (K-6)
Principal - Austin Public Schools
7 2023 - Current
Saint Mary’s University - Educational Specialist , Educational Administration
Southwest Minnesota State University - Master of Science, Educational Leadership
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
- Instituted peer review program for teaching professionals, which promoted collaborative teamwork, respect and appreciation among staff members.
- Supervised a building of 100 staff members.
- Managed school operations for 600 students.
- Established schools social media presence and automated phone system to alert parents and students of critical or time-sensitive information.
- Coordinated yearly budget totaling over $100,000.
- Spearheaded academic improvement plans implementation which redefined performance goals and achieved Austin Public Schools benchmarks.
- Set high-level goals for both students and teachers to encourage both parties to strive for personal best and succeeded in implementing long-term strategy with positive results.
- Improved student Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment testing scores to attain district, state, and federal standards.
Affiliations
- Minnesota Elementary Principal Association
- National Association of Elementary Principals
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeImportant To Me
Career advancementSoftware
Microsoft
Infinite Campus (SMS)
PowerSchool (SMS)
Frontline/AESOP
Skyward
Teacher
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