The day has finally arrived for students across the region. Today is the first day of school for the 2018-2019 academic year. That includes Dexter Elementary and the West Central Valley School District. It’s also the first day of school at the elementary for Principal Drew Stonewall.

Stonewall, who takes the reins from Dr. David Arnold after the long-time superintendent and principal retired in June, says his predecessor gave him a few brief words of advice. “His main thing was make sure there’s plenty of coffee for everyone. That’s about it really.”

Stonewall says he knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be the next principal at Dexter Elementary. “It’s kind of always something I wanted to do. A few years ago I finished my Masters Degree through Drake. Got my Admin(Administration) Degree and luckily the position came open in Dexter and I just decided that I would be kicking myself if I didn’t take it.”

Stonewall taught math at West Central Valley Middle School for the previous seven years. As far as long-term goals, he simply wants to make the elementary a place for the students to feel welcome and have the capabilities to learn.

To hear more from Stonewall on his first year as principal, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.