Clayton Ridge Business Manager retires

By Caroline Rosacker

Clayton Ridge School District Business Manager Dave Schlueter of Guttenberg is set to retire after over 25 years of dedicated employment. 

Schlueter began his career with the Guttenberg School District in the fall of 1998. Following the merger election in 2004, Schlueter was named Business Manager for the Clayton Ridge School District. He began working with school board members at the onset of his career and became Board Secretary in 2018.  

"When I moved back to the area in 1993, I thought it would be highly unlikely of ever finding an opportunity to work in the accounting field in Guttenberg," he said looking back. "I was blessed not only to get that opportunity, but to work along side my wife, mother, aunt, uncle, and many friends in a place where I could see nieces and nephews on a daily basis."

Career challenges

The longtime business manager was previously employed in manufacturing cost accountant positions. "Governmental accounting is quite different," he pointed out. "I was fortunate Joan Walke was here in the business office working as Board Secretary/Assistant Business Manager. She was instrumental in helping me get started with all the procedures and reports." 

School Board involvement

Schlueter feels fortunate to have had a front row seat to many discussions and decisions, where he notes he played a very small part, that led to several facility improvements and academic innovations including: whole grade sharing; the merger; bus leasing; fundraising and construction of the Stephen D. Shannon Athletic Complex; 1:1 computers; transfer of property to the Garnavillo Fire Department; razing the 1903 building; several remodeling projects, and establishment of the Iowa Virtual Academy.

"I have always attended school board meetings to present monthly financial information. I enjoy working with board members – they are under appreciated volunteers doing their best to represent students, parents, employees, and taxpayers equitably and they not only set policy, but determine the culture of the district," he said with admiration. "Their mission has been the same throughout my career – to put student achievement first. It’s humbling to have been asked to provide data and analysis to assist their decision-making process."

The Clayton Ridge School Board and local voters have approved the Instructional Support Levy, Local Option Sales Taxes (which is now a statewide tax), and Physical Plant and Equipment Levies to provide as many opportunities as possible for the students.

"The State of Iowa loves to croon about 'local control of school districts' but the truth is that the State sets spending limits based on enrollment, and the district has little control on the budget," he noted. 

From student to faculty member

For over 25 years Schlueter has worked alongside many great faculty and staff members who were instrumental to his success. "It has been amazing to work with so many great people over the years. What an awesome opportunity it was in 1998 to become a co-worker with my high school teachers who had so much influence on me as a student and then became colleagues and friends," he said with gratitude.  "I was lucky to have Joan Walke here for my indoctrination, as well as other area business managers who advised me when I needed it, especially former Board Secretary Mary Seifert." 

Schlueter went on to list superintendents Russ Loven, Allan Nelson, and Shane Wahls who made working for the Guttenberg/Clayton Ridge School District incredibly rewarding. "Each one has been a great mentor and friend and I will be forever grateful," he said. 

Beyond the business office 

Schlueter always enjoyed getting involved in school activities outside of the business office. "Being in the football press box for 20 years has been an awesome experience, and I take great pride in the furniture restoration projects, preserving some of the school’s history," commented Schlueter. 

Dave Schlueter's last day will be June 30. He looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Karen, family and friends.