Hoey joins West Central School District

Daniel Hoey and his family, wife, Rebecca, children Simon, Izaak, Elijah and Tehya are originally from Le Mars, Iowa. Hoey has been Superintendent for the past two years at Stanley County School District and will start his contract with West Central on July 1. (Photo/Submitted).

Sara Stadem | Editor

The West Central School District will start their 2021-2022 school year with a new face as the Superintendent.
Mr. Daniel Hoey, a Bulldog and a high school graduate of Le Mars Community School District in Le Mars, Iowa, will start his contract with the West Central School District as of July 1. Even though it’s not a requirement, Hoey will be relocating to the Hartford area this June. “Although not specifically stated in my contract, it is vital in my mind to be a part of and participative in the communities that are represented in our school district,” Hoey stated.
After high school graduation, Hoey dedicated time to his own education which started with two years of college at Westmar College in Le Mars where he played baseball for the Eagles. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb. where he earned his undergraduate. Hoey explained the content areas that he taught were Spanish, business and technology. From there, Hoey earned his Master’s in Educational Administration from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Hoey wasn’t done yet. Ten years later, he earned his Educational Specialist degree at Wayne State College.
“Nearly twenty years ago, I came to understand that education is not my profession, it is my vocation. That knowledge is very comforting to me,” Hoey explained.
Hoey, along with his wife of almost 30 years, Rebecca, also in education, both started their educational careers in Minnesota. According to Hoey, he was a business teacher and was able to teach in several different content-area classrooms before moving on to administration.
When asked what made him decide to get into administration, Hoey stated, “The opportunity to affect positive change in the lives of students and staff is something that is foundational to my very core.” He continued, “The opportunity to collaboratively work with a wide audience and groups is also something that I enjoy.”
Hoey’s first administration role took place at St. Augusta, Minn. as the elementary Principal for grades K-8 which led to being a middle school building head and then finally a high school Principal, according to Hoey.
Currently, Hoey is in his second year as Superintendent at Stanley County School District. One of the things he has enjoyed most as Superintendent is the opportunity to think reflectively on any given decision; the gathering of information, inputs and possible outcomes lends itself to reflective decision making.
“One other enjoyed blessing is that of being able to witness differing styles of professionalism and process daily. The field of education is made up of so many different inputs, experiences and mannerisms,” Hoey said. He continued, “There is no one absolute way to do things. That was a joy for me as a student and remains the same as an employee.”
When asked what drew him towards West Central, Hoey explained, “As with so many things in life, there are “ah-hah” moments that can make a person smile. For quite a while now, I have enjoyed stopping at The Coffee Cup. It has been a place to stretch my legs after going through Sioux Falls or a place to top off the tank before going through the same.” Hoey continued, “My in-laws live in Madison, so the communities of Humboldt and Hartford have been known and enjoyed for years. Most specifically, the small-town identity and possibility for growth for both our communities and school district is something that is very intriguing to me.”
The impressions that both communities gave and the feeling of community pride are both important considerations for Hoey as to why he accepted the position as Superintendent, he explained. He also took into consideration the immense opportunities for growth and is filled with a sense of optimism.
Now, with every job, there are always ups and downs. However, Hoey likes to look at those as challenges for himself.
“The reality that money is finite in supply and needs can sometimes feel infinite in supply is a widely accepted common truth. Related to this is the fact that multiple processes can produce success or positive movement, but we are not always afforded the opportunity to do/have/try multiple processes,” Hoey commented. He continued, “Within the above answer, there is also something that challenges me; even if finances were in infinite supply, the core and very essence of successful teaching and learning comes down to a relationship – the relationship between the educator and the student. Those relationships are not simply tied to dollars. I enjoy that reality.”
What Hoey is looking forward to most with his new start at West Central is getting to know his fellow professionals within the district. He looks forward to the relationships with the students and parents of West Central.
Although excited for his new opportunity, Hoey will also miss the Stanley County School District. “It should be said that South Dakota has such good people. Stanley County is certainly proof of that statement,” Hoey said. He continued, “I have been lucky enough to earn strong relationships, both professional and personal, during my time here. I will also miss the geography of the Missouri River and the balance of the West River/East River, SD.”
Hoey and his wife, Rebeca, have three sons, Simon, Izaak and Elijah and one daughter, Tehya. Simon graduated from Wayne State College this May. Izaak, a junior at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, just returned from his first deployment with the Iowa National Guard in March. Elijah is a sophomore in high school and Tehya is an eighth grader.
The youngest of three older sisters, Hoey comes from a family of all educators.
“Education is something that has figured centrally in my entire family. My three older sisters and both parents are all educators,” Hoey explained. He continued, “Among the six of us, there are over 180 years of public/parochial educational experience. My wife is an educator; likewise, she comes from a family of educators.”
In his free time, when not focused on education, Hoey enjoys being outdoors. He explained if it’s something that can be enjoyed outside in our great state, it is something that he can enjoy doing in his free time. Hunting, fishing and enjoying the state’s recreation areas and parks are also something that he finds time to do. Lastly, photography is a hobby Hoey enjoys taking time for when he has some free time on his hands. “We live in such a beautiful and varied state,” Hoey said.
Hoey concluded, “I cannot wait to become part of the West Central School District Family!”