May 22, 2026
Dear Columbus Cougar Families and Community,
As we wrap up the final day of the academic year at Columbus Public Schools, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support. We have had a wonderful year, and while we are ready for a refreshing summer break, we are already excited to welcome students back on August 26th.
Celebrating Our Retirees
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our retiring staff members and wish them the absolute best in their next chapters:
Ron Osborne (AD): Thank you for your incredible knowledge, efficiency, and dedication to our activities and athletics.
Al Sipes (Transportation Director): Thank you for your service and unmatched expertise in district transportation and school operations.
Maureen Culbertson (Teacher): Thank you for four decades of profound classroom impact, mostly right here in Columbus.
Jill Buechler (Middle School Science Teacher): Thank you for three decades of teaching and providing an outstanding science education.
Sheila Roberts (Elementary Teacher): Thank you for your many years of experience and deep dedication to our elementary students.
Kevin Exstrom (Bus Driver): Thank you for your dedication to providing safe and reliable transportation for our students every day.
Allen Viig (Custodian): Thank you for your meticulous care, pride, and attention to detail in keeping our facilities ready.
Welcoming & Transitioning Staff
With these departures, we are excited to announce the following shifts and new faces for the upcoming school year:
Jim Browning & Joseph Morse: Will divide Athletic Director duties alongside their current roles as High School and Middle School Principals.
Curt Robbins: Stepping in as the new Transportation Director (a familiar face from his work as facilities manager and bus driver).
Tarah Ralph: Transitioning from elementary counselor to Middle School Science teacher.
Robin Waskowiak: Joining us as the new Elementary School Counselor.
Stevie Wayland: Joining the district as the K-5 Title 1 teacher.
Julie Hanley: Joining the district as the Cougar Boost teacher for our 4 and 5-year-old Early Kindergarten Program.
Columbus School Board Updates
I want to extend a sincere thank you to the Columbus School Board for their ongoing support of our district.
With Gratitude: We wish our outgoing board members, Sue Ivankovich and Nichole Waltner, the absolute best and deeply appreciate their years of dedicated service.
Welcome: We welcome our new Trustees, Racheal Geehan, Laura Kienitz, and Gary Timm, to the board. They join Trustee Russ Dewell (Vice Chair) and Trustee Jay Baum (Chairman).
The board remains active over the break, starting with school board training on June 2nd, followed by a busy summer approving policies, handbooks, and budgets. Our next school board meeting is Monday, June 8th at 6pm in the High School Library
Join Our Team!
We are still hiring for the upcoming school year and invite you to apply for the following open positions: 2 paraprofessionals, 2 custodians, and several coaching roles. Please view details and apply at www.columbuscougars.com.
A Note of Gratitude
This was an outstanding year both academically and extra-curricularly. In my 16 years as a superintendent, my motto has always been “do what’s best for kids.” It is obvious daily that the Columbus staff lives by this motto, keeping our students the absolute priority.
Thank you to our teachers, coaches, advisors, and families for making this success possible. While students head out for break, many of our dedicated custodial, facilities, and business office staff will remain hard at work this summer preparing our grounds, buildings, and budgets for another great year. If you have any questions, we welcome you to contact the school.
Have a safe, happy, and relaxing summer!
Sincerely,
Casey Klasna - Superintendent