Kerry Parsons was hired as the Principal of East Middle School on Friday, April 5. He started his position at EMS on July 1.

He has worked as an administrative intern at East Middle School in from 2005-2006, a biology teacher at CMR from 1994-2005, and a science and health enhancement teacher at Medicine Lake Public Schools from 1989-1994.  He is currently serving as an Associate Principal at C. M. Russell High School.

According to Tom Moore, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, selecting a candidate for the position was difficult, but it was Parsons’ enthusiasm for middle school administration that made him stand out among the rest.

“One thing that became evident during the interviews is that GFPS has many fine leaders in our midst.  It was a very hard decision, but Mr. Parsons’ experiences and passion for meeting the unique needs of the middle school made him stand out as a candidate,” Moore said in a statement released by current Superintendent Cheryl Crawley the morning of April 8.

Parsons will replace East Middle School’s current principal, Shelly Fagenstrom, who is set to retire this summer.  His hiring will be finalized at a regular board meeting on April 22 at 7 p.m. in the district office.