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In an interview Thursday, Feb 20, new principal Dr. Gail Holder discusses her ambitions for the school. “I’m going to do everything I can to be the very best version of the building principal,” Holder said. | Quinn Franken
educational journey.” She will replace retiring Tobie Waldeck as principal Wednesday, July 1, which will be made official when the Board of Education formally approves the hire. Holder’s goal entering this position is to push the school to be the “number one high school in Kansas.” Her plan of action is to confer with everyone in the building, from administra-
“EVERY SINGLE STUDENT DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW EVERY SINGLE YEAR.” new principal dr. gail holder
tors and students to custodians and cafeteria workers, to determine where the school can improve. “I’m going to spend a long time getting to know what Mill Valley already has in place before I start saying, ‘This is what I think we should do,’” Holder said. “That is a collaborative
decision that happens after a lot of discussions and planning.” Bourland-Kirk can affirm that Holder will put in the effort to fulfill the school’s needs, whether that be through action or everyday motivation. “If you bring something to her attention, she will quickly get to work trying to solve or seek a resolution; [she’s] very action-oriented,” Bourland-Kirk said. “She is personable with staff and students, asking you about other things, not always about school happenings. Her passion remains very evident whether that is bringing music to staff meetings, supplying us with snacks at parent-teacher conferences or having props at a [professional learning committee meeting].” Holder believes her job as principal is to ensure every student finds their high school experience to be fulfilling. “My role in their experience is to make sure as best as I can that their teachers are taking care of, that their facility is taking care of, that they have all the resources they need,” Holder said. “I would hope that they would be able to see the 20,000-foot view of what it is we’ve done and accomplished, and they’re talking about their overall experience, that it has been joyful, it has been meaningful and has been relevant and they are ready for whatever comes next.”
holder’s hot takes
Get to know the new prinicpal by learning about her favorite things
favorite food
salmon hobby
working out favorite color
navy blue favorite movie
to kill a mockingbird
