It is said that when one door shuts, another opens. That is what is happening with the job as principal of the school.

Phil Clark, principal, will retire at the end of this year, and Clint Albers, current athletic director, will step into the seat as the new principal.

“There were a considerable amount of people interviewed for the job,” Albers said. “They were looking primarily for a good fit, someone with lots of experience.”

Albers’ background includes 13 years as an assistant principal, having worked with numerous administrators and teachers. He has two daughters: Sydney Albers, a sixth grader, and Lakin Albers, a third grader.

Albers consulted them and the rest of his family about applying for the position; his daughters are very excited to someday attend high school with their father as principal.

“The whole family was excited and very supportive of the decision to apply,” Albers said.

At this point, he has no big changes or plans scheduled for next year as he feels that the school is in a great spot, very successful, and should continue steadily improving.

One thing some people may worry about is how Albers’ leadership style compares to that of Clark.

“Our leadership styles have been said to be similar by many people,” Albers stated. “Although there are some differences, we still keep the best interests of the students in mind.”

His leadership style can be characterized as leading by example, including collaboration. He enjoys working with people in conjunction towards the same goal, though hard decisions sometimes need to be made.

Clark also feels that Albers will do very well as the new principal and has no doubts about his leadership style.

He mentioned that Albers is a very good man who has a heart for the school, students and community, and he will do wonderfully.

“When I see Mr. Albers, I recognize in him a style that is inclusive and I see him as one who will partner with the entire community,” Clark stated.

Albers thinks that his biggest challenge will be implementing the new district (and statewide) initiatives that will be going into effect over the next few years while continuing to run the school steadily.

Clark has stated that he has mixed feelings about retirement, saying that it’s an interesting concept.

“Retirement implies being finished entirely,” Clark said. “I’m not done, but I’m not sure what I’ll be doing afterward. I’m looking forward to spending time with the family.”

The difficult decision to leave was made over spring break, with Clark’s family being involved in the decision.

Clark’s best memories include 14 years filled with wonderful relationships with students, staff and parents.

His day-to-day interactions with students, staff, parents and the general community is what he will miss the most.

He will not miss having to choose between family and school.

“I think I’ll miss having to face the difficult decision of making a choice between some opportunity to engage with family and the desire to be engaged with school related activities the least,” Clark said.