BROWN COUNTY
HELMSBURG ELEMENTARY continued from 61 a sixth-grade teacher when Steve Cole left the next April. The next year, she took over fourth grade when Natalie Stant retired, then moved to second grade two years later. She became principal in 2007 after Laura Hammack moved up to assistant superintendent.
Bruner had opportunities to go elsewhere, but when the time came, she couldn’ t.“ At the time, I thought,‘ I’ ve never been anywhere else; it would be cool to try something different.’ And when it came down to it, I broke down and sobbed:‘ I can’ t leave Helmsburg! I can’ t leave my family and friends; these are my kids and this is what I know; I’ m just going to die here!’ So, that’ s exactly what happened. I’ m staying,” she laughed.
Well, not forever; she says she has three years left— but some parents have also heard that before. Now, though, her grandbabies— three of them in two states— are a main priority.
Whenever it is, retiring“ won’ t be easy, and I think if we stay in Brown County, I’ ll still come over and visit and volunteer,” she said.
“ That’ s what I would love: I want to sit in a rocking chair and read to kids. That’ s a dream.” •
Kelli Bruner sprays a fire hose during end-of-year celebrations. photo by Heather Steinbrook
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62 Our Brown County July / August 2026