The Sibley Elementary School principal described her first year at the school as wonderful Monday night to the Albert Lea School Board.

Diane Schultz made the comment at the board’s study session.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Schultz said, noting working for the district has so far exceeded her expectations.

Schultz and fourth-grade teacher Amber Jensen presented the positive things that happened this school year at Sibley.

Schultz — a former Glencoe Silver Lake School District employee of more than 20 years — deemed the school’s atmosphere as family-like, noting she thinks it is important for staff to know students and their families so they can establish an emotional and social connection. She said she views her success through placing the needs of students first.

“Our students are first when we make decisions,” she said.

She said being visible with teachers and having an open and direct staff is crucial to the school’s continued success.

“I will support you, encourage you and believe in you,” she said.

She cited fifth-grade students crying on their last day of school because they were sad to leave the building as proof of the school’s positive culture, noting the Building Leadership Team has fostered the ebb and flow of conversation within the district.

Director of Secondary Programs Kathy Niebuhr said the team consists of representatives of grade levels and departments who meet once or twice a month to assist the principal in directing student fun nights, curriculum discussions and other matters.

Schultz spoke of Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Brenda Casselius’ visit in February to commemorate the school’s Reward School status for the fourth time in five years, noting media reports of the school’s family atmosphere following the visit.

A Reward School designation is for public schools that have demonstrated exemplary academic achievements in state exam proficiency, student growth, graduation rates and closing graduation gaps.