Ashley Benz focusing on building relationships at H-M-S

A familiar face is now at the helm of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary.

Ashley Benz started her new role as principal earlier this month. The Hartley native graduated from H-M-S in 2004, returning to the district in 2014 to teach fourth grade. She spent the past five years serving as the elementary instructional coach before taking the leap to the top job and succeeding Cathy Jochims.

For Benz, the H-M-S Community School District is home.

"I absolutely love it," she said. "We just really wanted the small-town feel for our kids when they were going into school. There is such community pride fo...