New principal for Wrangell MS and HS

In his 32nd year of teaching, David Macri has a lot of experience behind him. He said that he has worked as an industrial arts teacher, a 5th-12th grade principal, a school business manager, and district business manager. He also said he has worked as a superintendent for schools in the Middle East and Asia. Before coming to Wrangell, he worked for two years in Tuluksak as a principal. Macri said that part of the reason he came to work as the principal of the middle school and high school in Wrangell is the people and their work ethic.

"People here value education in a traditional sense," he said. "I think people here value familial piety, the family concept. I think that this is a traditional values laden community ... The thing that drew me here is the potential that these folks have and the desire to improve and work for the children."

Macri said he has been impressed by the staff he will be working with, saying they are rooted in doing what is best for their students and always looking for ways to improve the school system. He added that he plans to be receptive to outside input for taking the schools in the right direction.

"Being new, I need to listen to a lot of folks," Macri said. "I need to listen to all the stakeholders. That includes the students, and the parents, and the teachers. But that also includes the townsfolk who may not be involved in the school."

The first day of school this year is August 23.