New opportunity for Kluender
BROKEN BOW - This Saturday, May 7, Rusty Kluender will watch graduates accept diplomas for the final time at Broken Bow High School. After nine years as Middle School/High School Principal at Broken Bow, Kluender has accepted the position of PreK-12th grade Principal at Arcadia Public Schools.
“This is the longest anywhere, nine years, except the ranch growing up,” Kluender said. Of his decision to make the change, he said he was ready for a new opportunity. Even so, there are several things that he has been glad to be a part of while BBPS.
“A great thing about Broken Bow and Custer County are the family connections,” he stated. Being able to get to know siblings in families as well as being able to call parents and work with them on their children’s education has been great, he said. He also complimented the business community. “There are business people I can call and help a student a job or get an internship,” he said, “The connections are amazing.”
In addition to the relationships, Kluender named several things he is proud to have either helped start or helped continue. One of them is the Caring Community Closet that provides clothing and supplies to students in need. He said he along with several community members and the Custer County Foundation helped get that program off the ground.
He’s also very proud of the Safe Zone, an anti-bullying group made up of students and faculty members. He said the message to students who receive bullying is one of support, saying, “We’ve got your back.” The group also works with those who display bullying behavior. “My Safe Zone Kids and I sit down with the student displaying the behavior and say, ‘Knock it off. Stop. Not here.”
He is also proud of continuing the Alternative Education Program. “Students (up to age 21) who didn’t graduate can return to make up credits to earn a diploma,” he said.
He appreciates the good relationship with the County Attorney and the Broken Bow Police Department. “We call them when we need support and they are here,” Kluender said.
At the start of the school year, Kluender was given the task of designing the “Best First Day Ever.” Those who know Kluender would not be surprised to know the day’s theme became “Rodeo Day.
“I had a blast,” he said. “We brought in a mechanical bull and we had bike barrel races. I brought in roping dummies. It was a lot of fun.”
This past year, he also took on bus driving, earning his CDL through training from BBPS staff members. Like many schools, BBPS was looking for drivers. “It seemed silly to ask someone else to do it. I love it,” Kluender stated.
A native of Valentine, Kluender started teaching in 1991. He has been a teacher or administrator at Ainsworth, Amarillo and Fort Worth in Texas,
Todd County in South Dakota, Gretna, Valentine, Bloomfield and Broken Bow. Where ever he has went and where ever he will go, he says he will remain active in rodeo. He currently competes in calf-roping 45 and older.
Asked if he recommends teaching, he said, “Absolutely. There are amazing kids out there to teach.” He added that there are numerous resources to help teachers in the classroom. As an administrator, he said, “It’s so fun to come alongside a teacher and help.”
With an average yearly class size of 60, Kluender has seen more than 500 students graduate Broken Bow High School. This year, there are 65 students in the Class of 2022 according to Kluender. Some have already received diplomas and others have chosen to not walk across the stage. Still, there will be around 60 students accepting diplomas at BBPS this Saturday.
Asked about watching the last of the Broken Bow students he has helped with their education accept their diplomas this weekend, Kluender said, “It will be a celebration.”