After many years of dedicated work in Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS), Columbia Academy (CA) Principal Mr. Duane Berkas is retiring. He will finish out the 2024–2025 school year before officially stepping down.
Berkas has been a strong and steady leader for Columbia Academy, the middle school for grades 6-8 designated for the CHPS district, since 2015. During his time as principal, he focused on helping students grow in every way—academically, socially and emotionally. He made sure students were not only challenged in the classroom but also supported in their personal development, and he made sure to communicate this to parents regularly with his weekly newsletter, written and sent from the heart every Saturday morning.
He believed that learning isn’t just about reading and math, but also about becoming well-rounded individuals. Under his leadership, CA offered programs that encourage creativity through the arts like the annual musical and required theater classes, teamwork in sports like football and softball as well as confidence through community involvement such as the WEB leader group of eighth graders who help welcome and make new sixth graders feel at home.
“My best memories will be the short conversations with students between classes,” Berkas said. “They often made me smile or laugh. I will miss the opportunity to congratulate students for a good grade or a great game and see the sparkle of pride in their eyes.”
Passing time at CA was certainly a trademark of Berkas’s, with vibrant music playing through the loudspeaker to keep the energy up and help make middle school a warm and inviting place. In an interview with The Heights Herald, however, Berkas—in his typical humble fashion—emphasized that what mattered most was what happened once the bell rang and class began.
“Walking into classrooms and seeing everyone hard at work, watching a student make their first three[-pointer] and being wowed by the music that comes from our students when they perform—so many good memories [and] so much I will miss!” Berkas said.
Before becoming principal at Columbia Academy, Berkas worked at the district office next door to Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) as the Director of Teaching & Learning, always showing a passion for education and a belief in students’ potential. He has made a lasting impact not only on the school he led every day but also on the families and staff who worked alongside him across the district.
“I don’t have a list of big accomplishments, but perhaps I am most proud of helping get many amazing people into positions where they are doing great things at Heights,” Berkas said. “I’ve had the opportunity to do many different jobs in Heights, but getting out of the way might be my greatest accomplishment. I have always been followed by incredible people.”
As Berkas will surely miss the second home that has become such a fabric of his life and so many others, he does look forward to another couple favorite pastimes and passions of his own as a green thumb and snowbird.
“My wife and I hope to travel in the winter to warmer places,” Berkas said. “We also have a big garden in the summer that will probably get even bigger now.”
With Berkas stepping down, Columbia Academy will welcome a new leader: current CA Assistant Principal Ms. Leslee Sherk. Sherk is no stranger to the district either. She began her teaching career at Highland Elementary School in 1999 and has worked in several roles since then, including another leadership position as Dean of Students at Valley View Elementary
Staff and families are excited to see Sherk step into the role of principal next year as she knows the school and students well. Many believe her experience and deep connection to CHPS will help her continue the strong work that Berkas started. Sherk has said she looks forward to working with students, families and staff to keep Columbia Academy a place where everyone feels welcome and supported.
It won’t just be those at the district office and at CA who will miss Berkas’s calm, reliable presence and mentorship. Both CHHS students who have fond memories of CA as well as Principal Todd Wynne are taking the time to say farewell.
“Berkas retiring is going to be a change, but I’m excited for him to get a taste of retirement that is well deserved,” Wynne said. “It won’t be a bad change. though. because I feel he is leaving the school in great hands with Ms. Sherk.”
As this school year comes to a close, students, teachers and parents are taking time to thank Principal Berkas for everything he’s done. There may be retirement celebrations and farewell notes, but more than anything else remains the belief that with a world of opportunities, every child can succeed. Though he will be missed, Berkas leaves behind a solid foundation and a proud school community ready for its next chapter.
