By Deb Kroon
Review Staff Writer
As the 2017-2018 school year began on September 5, 2017, Cate Koehne officially took over the Principal’s position at Adrian Middle-High School. She stepped in as interim principal with the sudden death of Tim Christensen last February, but now officially occupies the chair. Although an unexpected change, she recalled that the main focus of the staff was to help the students and each other work through the sadness of a loss so unexpected.
Cate is the daughter of Norman and Helen Sieve. She grew up on a farm near St. Killian, MN. She attended grade school at St. Anthony-St. Killian Elementary and graduated from Adrian High School in 1993. Cate went to college at Winona State University where she focused on elementary education. Before completing her teaching degree, college advisors encouraged her to also get her special education degree. Teachers were plentiful during that time and to specialize would give her an edge in her field. She took their advice and graduated with a Teaching Degree and a degree in Special Education. She completed her Masters in Special Ed. in 2001.
In the next few years, Cate continued strengthening her education by adding Administration to her repertoire, as well as Professional Development. Through the University of Kansas, Cate took courses that enabled her to teach the teachers, She has led classes throughout Minnesota, as well as in surrounding states. “I like to lead teachers to make positive changes,” she stated. “I haven’t done much lately, as taking over this position has me busy enough.”
Cate taught Special Ed. in the Fulda School System for five years, before coming back to Adrian. “I’ve come home’” she said. “The faculty here knows me and we’re comfortable together. They have helped me through my learning curve.” When asked what her goals for AHS were, she responded, “Our mantra is ‘Together We Can’. I want to see our school doing more that just basics, to make sure that our students get the best possible experience here in the Adrian School System. We as educators have to change with the times and with the student population. It’s our job to do everything we can to make sure today’s students are successful.” We discussed what a great advantage it is being a smaller school system. “We’re going to find you,” she said, indicating that unlike a bigger system, no one will fall through the cracks.
Cate met her husband, Bob, through their sisters. Bob’s sister has been a family friend for many years. They got married in 1998. Cate and Bob have three children, Luke, who is 9, Maddy, who is 6 and Emery, who is 3. They have made their home near Lismore.
With her passionate, upbeat attitude, Cate is taking on the continual positive inspiration for all the teachers on her staff, as well as making sure the diverse student body gets the best education that this genuinely, caring faculty can lead them through. A big welcome to Cate Koehne, Adrian’s new Middle-High School principal.
