On Friday, March 8th, the Methow Valley Elementary School Principal Search and Selection Committee concluded the screening and interview process with a unanimous recommendation to hire Paul Gutzler to serve as the next Methow Valley Elementary School Principal, effective July 1, 2019.
Facilitated by committee co-chairs Anne Andersen and Drew Simmons, the highly inclusive and transparent process started with twelve applicants and was narrowed to four finalists. Each of the four finalists participated in a thorough and exhaustive interview process that included an individual interview with the superintendent, a formal interview with a group of parents and staff members, a student-led school tour, a written activity, an interview with a parent focus group, a reading activity involving first graders, and a community forum. Following the community forum, the committee spent the evening discussing the strengths associated with each candidate relative to the needs and direction of Methow Valley Elementary School and the district as a whole.
When asked how he was feeling about his selection, Mr. Gutzler stated, “I am honored to serve as the principal of Methow Valley Elementary. The entire interview process on Friday confirmed what I believed to be true about Methow Valley Elementary–it is a great place for kids! I was impressed with so many aspects of the school community: inquisitive 1st graders with a sense of humor; staff who love kids, seek balance, and support each other; parents who advocate for developing the whole child; and students passionate to share their learning, and lend a hand to their kinder buddy.”
When asked what his first steps would include, Mr. Gutzler stated, “I look forward to learning more from everyone, continuing the good work being done, and supporting our next steps.”
Mr. Gutzler currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Mount Baker High School in Deming, Washington. Previously, he served as the Dean of Students at Wade King Elementary in Bellingham. As the Dean of Students at Wade King, Mr. Gutzler supported the development of a balanced (academic, social-emotional, and physical wellness) instructional program affiliated with International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Program.
One of Mr. Gutzler’s colleagues at Wade King shared, “He is a consistent, supportive, and positive presence for students, teachers, and parents. Whether greeting families before school, playing with kids at recess, or supporting teachers in growing their practice, Paul projects an infectious and can-do attitude.”
Mr. Gutzler received his administrative credentials from Western Washington University. He has a Masters Degree in School Counseling from University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Masters in Teaching in Special Education from Pacific University. He holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from Gonzaga University. Away from school Mr. Gutzler enjoys trail running, Nordic skiing, and exploring the outdoors. Paul, his wife Morgan, eight-year-old daughter Elsa, and six-year-old son Liam, look forward to living, working, and playing in the Methow.
Please join us as we welcome Paul Gutzler, Methow Valley Elementary School’s new principal.