Unexpected Advantages for Education and Lifestyle
Another hometown return success story has evolved from John Steffes’ career and life decisions. Also born and raised in Carroll, Steffes spent time in the Peace Corps and then in Des Moines before making a career decision that led him back to Carroll. Steffes made the decision to go back to school to receive his teaching degree, which relocated him and his wife to Cedar Falls so that he could attend the University of Northern Iowa. After graduation, a teaching position in Carroll opened up, and thus, the opportunity for him to come home.
Although he and his wife, who is a native of the western Iowa town of Onawa, had decided during their time in Des Moines that they wanted to raise children in a smaller community with good schools, Steffes never thought it would be Carroll. What he discovered was a unique combination of factors that give Carroll an edge over similar-sized communities—factors tied to his chosen career and quality of life preferences.
“I’m proud of Carroll and the fact that everyone talks about our great schools,” says Steffes, now a 12-year employee of Kuemper Catholic Schools in Carroll. “What most people don’t realize is the impact that results from having both a private school and public school in the same smaller community—and the benefits of the ‘competition.’”
Catholic education is key part of Carroll County’s history, and Kuemper’s predecessor was the first interparochial girls’ school in the region. Kuemper now celebrates a 50+-year history as a co-educational institution. Steffes now serves as Development Director for the Kuemper Foundation and acknowledges not only continued growth for Kuemper, but growth that has evolved as a result of community-wide support.
“A trend that we’re seeing is more support from non-Catholic sources because the residents of the area are realizing that having both schools in the community stimulates a higher quality of education for all students,” Steffes explains of the “competition.” “A private school also contributes to property tax relief for all residents.”
Another benefit Steffes points out is the opportunities for involvement for all students. Although Kuemper is slightly smaller in size of enrollment than Carroll’s public school system--1,100 students to 1,700 in public school—students at both schools have the ability to be involved in anything they choose from sports and music to other extra-curricular activities. That was one of the quality of life factors the Steffes’ were looking for in a smaller community, and found there’s more to this hidden treasure in Carroll.
“No, I never thought I’d move back to Carroll, but there are key quality of life reasons that keep people here,” Steffes adds. “While lower cost of living, good schools and safe, friendly neighborhoods are part of it, people everywhere are also looking for accessibility to entertainment. We have that too with easy access by interstate to the metro areas of Des Moines, Ames and Omaha.”
“I usually get to new major event openings—like the new Science Center in Des Moines—and major concerts—like the Rolling Stones--before my brother who lives right in Des Moines!”
