Assistant principal Kraig Kelican was announced to be the new interim principal of the 2019-20 year today. The news was shared at a faculty meeting in the cafeteria and met with a standing ovation.

“I was excited, I was humble, I was honored,” said Kelican. “It says a lot if you can represent a school like this. It’s just an outstanding school and to be chosen to lead it is very gratifying.”

Kelican knew about the decision before the announcement. Superintendent David Jeck notified him March 21 and wanted to call a faculty meeting. However, Kelican suggested to hold off till Monday so they could notify the staff members.

“I was surprised when the announcement was made because we had been told there was a committee being formed to go through a vetting process,” said English teacher Cynthia Pryor. “There was evidently a groundswell of support that Dr. Jeck wanted to respond to.”

Despite the staff’s surprise, they were very supportive. Kelican described their reaction as “overwhelmingly positive.” His family was very supportive as well. “They were happy for me and excited for the school. They knew that it was something I wanted for a long time,” Kelican said.

Jeck said he has no doubts Kelican will do an outstanding job. “He is an outstanding human being. He has earned the respect of students, teachers and parents over the years and deserves this opportunity.”

Kelican said he was ready to step up to the position. He has worked at the school for 33 years and believes his experiences will allow him to be well prepared. “I think getting to know the people sometimes takes a little bit of time. But when you’re familiar with the staff and the people that are here, there’s a lot more open communication sooner in the process.”  

Pryor agreed with Kelican, saying, “Mr. Kelican has the advantage of being liked by our students and faculty. He brings experience and history to the position which is something that teachers at Fauquier value. People feel reassured to move forward with somebody that they already know and appreciate.”

Pryor added that it can also be a challenge, as Kelican’s new role may require him to make different decisions. “I hope the faculty will give him latitude to grow and evolve as the principal for our school.”

Kelican will begin his new position effective July. He will hold this position until next spring when the school board selects a permanent principal.

The future is bright according to Kelican. He said one main thing he hopes for next year is growth. “I would like to see us move to the next level for success with kids and faculty as well to continue to make Fauquier High School an outstanding educational institution.”

He said, specifically, he’s looking for improvement in the education system as far as SOL requirements and state requirements. Kelican sees an importance in “trying to keep up with [education] and continuing to provide opportunities” in order to exceed the school’s expectations.

Kelican plans to uphold the school traditions, “Our kids are very well mannered and polite. We don’t have a lot of issues, I don’t think I could ask for better kids.”

Before he knew he would be taking the position, Kelican said he hoped the school would “get a quality candidate in.” Little did he know he would be that quality candidate.  

Assistant principal Kraig Kelican was announced to be the new interim principal of the 2019-20 year today. The news was shared at a faculty meeting in the cafeteria and met with a standing ovation.

“I was excited, I was humble, I was honored,” said Kelican. “It says a lot if you can represent a school like this. It’s just an outstanding school and to be chosen to lead it is very gratifying.”

Kelican knew about the decision before the announcement. Superintendent David Jeck notified him March 21 and wanted to call a faculty meeting. However, Kelican suggested to hold off till Monday so they could notify the staff members.

“I was surprised when the announcement was made because we had been told there was a committee being formed to go through a vetting process,” said English teacher Cynthia Pryor. “There was evidently a groundswell of support that Dr. Jeck wanted to respond to.”

Despite the staff’s surprise, they were very supportive. Kelican described their reaction as “overwhelmingly positive.” His family was very supportive as well. “They were happy for me and excited for the school. They knew that it was something I wanted for a long time,” Kelican said.

Kelican said he was ready to step up to the position. He has worked at the school for 33 years and believes his experiences will allow him to be well prepared. “I think getting to know the people sometimes takes a little bit of time. But when you’re familiar with the staff and the people that are here, there’s a lot more open communication sooner in the process.”  

Pryor agreed with Kelican, saying, “Mr. Kelican has the advantage of being liked by our students and faculty. He brings experience and history to the position which is something that teachers at Fauquier value. People feel reassured to move forward with somebody that they already know and appreciate.”

Pryor added that it can also be a challenge, as Kelican’s new role may require him to make different decisions. “I hope the faculty will give him latitude to grow and evolve as the principal for our school.”

Kelican will begin his new position effective July. He will hold this position until next spring when the school board selects a permanent principal.

The future is bright according to Kelican. He said one main thing he hopes for next year is growth. “I would like to see us move to the next level for success with kids and faculty as well to continue to make Fauquier High School an outstanding educational institution.”

He said, specifically, he’s looking for improvement in the education system as far as SOL requirements and state requirements. Kelican sees an importance in “trying to keep up with [education] and continuing to provide opportunities” in order to exceed the school’s expectations.

Kelican plans to uphold the school traditions, “Our kids are very well mannered and polite. We don’t have a lot of issues, I don’t think I could ask for better kids.”

Before he knew he would be taking the position, Kelican said he hoped the school would “get a quality candidate in.” Little did he know he would be that quality candidate.