Welcoming New Staff to the Hudson Community School District!

(Back Row, L-R): Rhandi Oelmann, Kami Koelling, 
Grace Jackson, Alexa McMahon, Camden Troncin
(Front Row L-R): Erin Hawe, Addy Goodenbour, 
Brett Klein, Kaelee Dean

As we begin the 2026-27 school year, I am pleased to welcome several new educators to the Hudson Community School District. Each brings valuable experience, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to supporting our students.

Our staff members play an important role in making our schools welcoming places where students can learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships. I encourage our students, families, staff, and community members to join me in welcoming these newest members of our team.

Kaelee Dean, Middle School English Teacher
Kaelee Dean is a University of Northern Iowa graduate who joins Hudson Schools after two years with the Waterloo Community School District. A Cedar Falls native, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with family. She is looking forward to getting to know her students and creating a classroom where every student feels seen, supported, and excited to learn.

Addy Goodenbour, High School Math Teacher
Addy Goodenbour is a Wartburg College graduate who previously taught middle and high school math in Rockford for two years. Originally from St. Ansgar, Addy is an avid runner who has completed Grandma’s Marathon and the Boston Marathon—and she’s training for the Chicago Marathon this fall. She is excited to meet her students, get to know our community, and become a Hudson Pirate.

Erin Hawe, Special Education Teacher
Erin Hawe holds a degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Outside of school, she enjoys coaching soccer, reading, watching sports, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. Erin is looking forward to meeting our students and families and becoming part of the community.

Grace Jackson, 4th Grade Teacher
Grace Jackson is originally from Indianola and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa this past May. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active, reading, and traveling. Grace is especially excited to have a classroom of her own and build meaningful relationships with students and colleagues.

Brett Klein, Elementary Guidance Counselor
Brett Klein is a University of Northern Iowa graduate entering his fourth year as a school counselor. Originally from Dubuque, he enjoys biking, playing tennis, and spending time with friends. He and his fiancée, Holly, are also preparing to get married this year. Brett looks forward to getting to know our students and their families.

Kami Koelling, 2nd Grade Teacher
A Hudson native and University of Northern Iowa graduate, Kami Koelling is beginning her teaching career in the community where she grew up. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, spending time with friends and family, and tackling DIY projects. Kami looks forward to building relationships with her students and creating a classroom where everyone feels welcome and excited to learn.

Alexa McMahon, Middle School Guidance Counselor
Alexa McMahon earned her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and master’s degree from Buena Vista University. She brings 11 years of experience in education, including six years as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and five years as a middle school counselor. Originally from State Center, Alexa enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Cyclones. She is excited to learn Hudson’s traditions, connect with students and colleagues, and become part of the community.

Rhandi Oelmann, Preschool Teacher
Rhandi Oelmann attended Kirkwood Community College and the University of Northern Iowa, and previously worked for Dike-New Hartford as a paraeducator and softball and basketball coach. She lives in Dike with her husband, Dane, and their three children. Rhandi enjoys spending time outdoors, coaching, reading, and supporting her children in their activities. She looks forward to meeting our preschool students and families and watching her students grow throughout the year.

Camden Troncin, 1st Grade Teacher
Camden Troncin is an Iowa State University graduate entering his second year of teaching after previously teaching 1st grade in Johnston. He recently moved to Cedar Falls with his wife and daughter, and enjoys being active and spending time outdoors. Camden is excited to join Hudson Schools and build connections with students, families, and colleagues.

We are fortunate to have these educators joining our schools. Their experiences, talents, and enthusiasm will complement the dedicated work already taking place throughout our district.

The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time, and I look forward to seeing the relationships our new staff members build with students, families, colleagues, and community members. 

Please join me in giving Kaelee, Addy, Erin, Grace, Brett, Kami, Alexa, Rhandi, and Camden a warm welcome to the Hudson Community School District!

Be the Spark This School Year

There’s something special about the start of a new school year.

After a quiet summer, our hallways are ready to welcome back the energy, curiosity, and excitement that only students can bring. While the calendar follows a familiar rhythm each year, the students who walk through our doors are entirely new. Each one brings unique strengths, challenges, dreams, and experiences that we may not immediately see.

That is what makes education so meaningful.

As educators, we are entrusted with teaching important academic skills that prepare students for their futures. Every lesson matters. Every day matters. But lasting impact often begins long before a student masters a math concept or writes a strong essay.

It begins with connection.

Many students arrive at school carrying burdens that are invisible to those around them. A kind word, a welcoming smile, a patient conversation, or simply taking the time to ask, "How are you doing?" can make all the difference. Sometimes the smallest act of compassion becomes the moment a student begins to believe in themselves again.

Throughout my career, I have learned that we rarely know the full story behind a student's behavior. When we choose empathy instead of frustration, we create opportunities to change lives. Years later, former students often remember how an adult made them feel far more vividly than any individual lesson that was taught.

That responsibility belongs to every member of our school community.

Whether you are a teacher, paraeducator, bus driver, custodian, secretary, food service employee, coach, administrator, or volunteer, you have the opportunity to positively influence a student's day. Every interaction contributes to creating schools where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.

As we begin another school year, I encourage all of us to remember that our work extends beyond curriculum and test scores. We are helping young people discover confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.

My challenge to every member of our district this year is simple: be the spark.

You never know when a small act of kindness, encouragement, or understanding may ignite a lifelong passion for learning—or change the trajectory of a child's life.

Here's to a wonderful school year. Welcome back, and thank you for everything you do for our students.