Southridge Elementary

NCSD Educator Named Among Nation’s Best K-8 Principals
01.26.2012

Rick Skatula, principal of Southridge Elementary School in Casper was selected as Wyoming’s 2012 National Distinguished Principal. Mr. Skatula was nominated and selected by fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by the Wyoming Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, said WAEMSP Executive Director Dave Olsen.

Please join Southridge Elementary School students and staff in recognizing Rick Skatula's achievement as Wyoming Elementary Principal of the Year on Monday, January 30 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Westwood gymnasium. Dr. Joel Dvorak and Dave Olson, Executive Director of the Wyoming Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals will be presenting Southridge with a special banner.

A graduate of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, Mr. Skatula previously held the position of Director of Bands at Kelly Walsh High School. He has served as principal of Southridge for seventeen years.

“At the helm of every successful school is a successful principal,” said Gail Connelly, NAESP’s Executive Director. “Our National Distinguished Principals program provides us with an opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership of these principals and their commitment to creating successful learning communities. Because of them, students thrive academically, teachers grow professionally, and communities are strengthened.”

In October, Mr. Skatula will travel to Washington, D.C., for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary and middle-level educators chosen by the states, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools.

Criteria for selection of the principals require that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students and where there are firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

“Mr. Skatula is an outstanding educator. His school is known for excellence and the school community knows Rick takes a personal interest in every student and staff member. Parents know Rick loves their kids. He is very deserving of this honor,” said Jason Hillman, Wyoming’s 2011 NDP. Mr. Skatula is also an outstanding member of his community. He encourages and creates opportunities for students to help in community service projects such as the Holy Cross Center food bank. Mr. Skatula is also currently on the board of directors for Raising Readers in Wyoming."