May 4, 2023
Grand Island Public Schools is pleased to welcome a new leader to the district!
Mr. Steve Helgeland has been named the new Principal at Gates Elementary School. Helgeland will step into the role this summer as he and his family make their way to Grand Island.
Mr. Helgeland brings a passion for education and extensive experience in leadership to the district. He joins GIPS by way of South Dakota, having most recently served as the SPED Director at Dell Rapids Public Schools for the last four years. Prior to his time with Dell Rapids, Helgeland also served as SPED Director at Hill City Schools in South Dakota from 2015-2019 and the SPED Director for ESU 13 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska from 2013-2015. He carries a bachelors in Elementary Education from Mount Marty College and a Doctorate in Special Education and Principal Leadership from University of South Dakota.
Speaking to this exciting new opportunity, Mr. Helgeland shared:
“I am very excited to be joining Grand Island Public Schools. Gates Elementary is an awesome school and I look forward to continuing great work that is happening there. If you get a chance please stop in and say hi.”
Mr. Helgeland will assume the Gates position later this summer as Mr. Joe Eckerman, current Gates Principal, is set to begin serving as the new Principal at Barr Middle School.
Mr. Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, affirmed the hire:
“We are excited to have Mr. Helgeland moving into this position. The background he brings will serve him well as he picks up the great work Mr. Eckerman has started at Gates.”
While Mr. Helgeland is new to the district, we will be sure to provide opportunities for families and students to connect with him before the new school year.
We are excited to see the positive impact Mr. Helgeland will bring to our Gates students, staff, and families!
