T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY - Jeff Groth, who previously taught physical education at public school districts in Alaska and Minnesota, is the new director of academics at Marshalltown Christian School.

After spending 13 years in public education as a PE teacher in Alaska and Minnesota, Jeff Groth decided it was time for a change, and in the process, he met a woman who became his fiance and happens to hail from Marshalltown.

When he knew he’d be moving here, Groth, a native of Richfield, Minn. who most recently taught in Albert Lea, reached out to Marshalltown Christian School (MCS) Administrator Bethany Wirin about any potential PE vacancies, and she responded that while they’d love to add it in the future, the K-8 school doesn’t currently have such classes. Alas, if they did offer him that position, it would only be on a part-time basis.

Groth knew that wouldn’t work for him financially, but Wirin came back with another idea. MCS had an opening for its new director of academics position, and she encouraged him to pursue it as he has a master’s degree in education from Southwest Minnesota State.

All the pieces fell into place from there.

“I came and toured the school, and as I walked through the hall here, it was peaceful. School was in session, and in every classroom I looked in, there was learning going on. Teachers were just being able to educate these kids, and I could just tell there was a great foundation already set,” he said. “You get a sense of what a foundation they have already at MCS, and my goal is to help build upon that.”

Because the position is newly created, Groth is starting from scratch, in a way, but he views that prospect as more of an opportunity than a challenge. The way he explained it, Wirin will focus on the bigger picture — growth, donor relations and facilities expansions and improvements — while he will work with teachers and students inside the building on a day-to-day basis. Reflecting on his own experiences with administration in public schools has given him a clear idea of the kind of leader he wants to be, and he’s putting “a lot of effort” into supporting the school’s teachers the best he can.

“Adding Mr. Groth to the MCS team is a key piece of our strategic priority in providing an outstanding Christ-centered academic experience for each student,” Wirin said.

Two years ago, MCS had a total enrollment of about 50 students. That number has skyrocketed since Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill creating Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for families who wish to educate their children in a nonpublic setting, with 90 students during the 2023-2024 school year and 123 enrolled for 2024-2025. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes will now be held at nearby Journey Church as the school has outgrown its original campus. Currently, MCS has around 15 full-time employees.

“It’ll be my job to kind of float between the two buildings and make sure everything is running like it’s supposed to,” Groth said. “As far as how big we’re gonna grow, it’s to be determined, but we’ll see where that goes.”

Outside of work, Groth is a pickleball and golf enthusiast and is already familiarizing himself with the numerous courts and courses in the Marshalltown area. He unofficially started in the new job back in February, but his contract officially begins on Aug. 10.

The Marshalltown Christian School is located at 1408 S. 7th Ave. Groth can be reached at jgroth@mcsiowa.org.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.