William Grieger Named New York Mills Teacher of the Year 2025-26

The New York Mills School District has named William Grieger its Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. Grieger, a 2003 graduate of New York Mills High School, teaches 7-8 grade social studies and is active in the school’s extracurricular life as an NY Mills FCA huddle coach.

The recognition highlights a teacher who both lives and works in the New York Mills community and whose career will be spotlighted throughout the coming school year. For parents and taxpayers, the award signals district focus on classroom leadership and student engagement in core social studies at key middle school grades.

District communications released alongside the announcement also outlined several staffing moves and new hires that affect classroom coverage and special education services. The district welcomed Adam Justin for Special Education Autism, Kayla Lueders for Special Education Developmental Delay, and Olivia Leising as Elementary Secretary. Internal reassignments include Danielle Grieger moving back to Kindergarten, Justice Kunza shifting to 4th Grade, and Alli Bauck moving to 5th Grade. The district noted plans to hire a part-time teacher for 5/6 Grade and additional positions over the summer months.

These personnel changes reflect typical midwinter planning as the district shapes rosters for the remainder of this school year and prepares for the next. For families with children in special education or elementary grades, the named hires and shifts are directly relevant to classroom continuity and service delivery.

Community reaction has been visible on social media; a Facebook post identified Will Grieger as “NY Mills FCA huddle coach” and celebrated the announcement at a school huddle. Local sponsors and district contacts are listed in the district newsletter, and residents seeking more information or wishing to congratulate staff can reach the district office at 218-639-0927.

Economically and socially, honoring a homegrown educator can support retention of local talent and reinforce community ties that matter for school funding, volunteer recruitment, and youth activities. Teacher of the Year recognitions also tend to raise the profile of curricular initiatives and can help attract substitute and specialist staff in a competitive regional labor market.

What comes next: the Teacher of the Year designation typically brings district visibility and may involve classroom showcases, speaking opportunities, or participation in district events during the 2025-26 school year. Parents and community members who want details on the award, upcoming events, or the district’s staffing plans can contact the New York Mills School District at 218-639-0927.