We are delighted to welcome Amanda Thoune, Director of Finance. Amanda comes to IMPS with 14 years of experience in working for the DIISD Business Services Consortium and the North Dickinson school district. She loves to camp, hunt, fish, and to spend time with her grandson.
We are lucky to have Brad Perry, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal to grades 5-12. Mr. Perry was most recently a fifth-grade teacher and girls varsity basketball coach in Florence, Wisconsin. He has a sports management degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in education from Marian University. Mr. Perry and his family enjoy traveling and attending sporting events. This past summer, they attended games at the Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies stadiums! It is their goal to visit every MLB ballpark before his youngest son’s graduation from high school!
We are thrilled for Bionca Nattiel to join us as Special Education teacher to grades 5-8 at East Elementary School and Central Middle School. Ms. Nattiel has over ten years of experience in education and social work. She enjoys reading, hiking, trying new things, and spending time with her family and two sons, who attend Iron Mountain Public Schools.
Sending a warm welcome to Nikki Peddycord, Math and English teacher at Central Middle School and Iron Mountain High School. Mrs. Peddycord is a graduate of Western Michigan University (BA) and Saginaw Valley State University (MA). She recently moved with her family from the metro-Detroit area after teaching at South Lake Schools for the last 27 years. Mrs. Peddycord and her husband enjoy being outdoors and are looking forward to attending not only IMHS, but also NMU football games this fall as their daughter is a member of the NMU Marching Band! Fun fact- both of Mrs. Peddycord’s parents taught at Iron Mountain, and she was born here- but she’s never lived here!
Welcome aboard, Korina Harris, fourth grade teacher to North Elementary School! Ms. Harris spent the last 14 years teaching in Wisconsin, most recently in Kimberly School District where she taught fifth grade. Ms. Harris and her family moved to the area after purchasing a log cabin last summer and falling in love with the area. She and her family enjoy riding snowmobiles and UTVs and taking their three big rescue dogs on hikes!
We’re glad to have Sierra Gonzales, kindergarten teacher on the North Elementary School team. Ms. Gonzales is originally from Norway, but graduated from Oakland University this spring. After completing her student teaching in the Pontiac area where she taught second grade, she is excited to start her first official year of teaching. Ms. Gonzales enjoys working on crafts and DIY projects, and spending time with her family, friends, and her puppy!
We are excited to welcome back Harvey “Bucky” Johnson, Physical Education teacher at North and East Elementary School! Mr. Johnson is well-known to the Mountaineer family, serving as the Boys Varsity Basketball and Golf Head Coach, and Varsity Football Assistant Coach. He was a middle school teacher for Iron Mountain from 1990-2021, where he has made countless relationships with Iron Mountain students and staff. Mr. Johnson and his family “live to be Mountaineers, and have for many years.”
North Elementary School is blessed to have Beth Hart return as Special Education teacher this school year! Mrs. Hart has 33 years of teaching experience between North Central and Iron Mountain Public Schools, where she was most recently a Kindergarten teacher at North Elementary before retiring in 2022. Mrs. Hart enjoys running, going to the gym, and watching football and basketball. (Go Packers and Spartans!)
In the spring we welcomed Patrick Ratkovich, Physical Education teacher for Central Middle School and Iron Mountain High School. Mr. Ratkovich brings 27 years of experience to the district from his time at Menominee HIgh School, Escanaba High School, and Wausau East High School. He also is excited to take on his new role of Girls 8th Grade Basketball coach this school year. In his free time, Mr. Ratkovich enjoys fishing, hunting, trapping, hiking, and biking.
Several of our staff are also excited to begin their new roles this school year!
Audra DeRidder- Fifth grade teacher
Shannon Rosenthal- First grade teacher
Kaye Miziniak- Sixth grade teacher and HS Student Council advisor
Shelly Petrusch- Spanish I/II teacher
Anna Pacheco- Health 7 teacher
Jennifer Geneva- Girls 7th grade basketball coach
Stacey Pickett- Key Club advisor
Jackie Geneva- Freshman and sophomore class advisor