WATERLOO - West High School will welcome a new assistant principal for the 2008-09 year.

Susan Flodeen was appointed and has been with the district for 19 years. Previously, she was administrative assistant at West.

Flodeen earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's of education degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. She has received many awards for her role in education, including Gold Star Teacher of the Year. She was also nominated for National At-Risk Teacher of the Year.

In other changes, Larry Martin was appointed special needs coordinator, replacing Luanne Schneider who retired in July. Previously, Martin was a Read 180 collaborative teacher at West for two years.

Martin holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a master's degree in special physical education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Prior to working for Waterloo Schools, Martin was a behavior disorders teacher for six years in Fort Dodge and was an elementary physical education and health class instructor for two years at Buena Vista University, North Iowa Area Community College campus.