Longtime Carus Elementary School Principal Sam Thompson has been tabbed to lead Baker Prairie Middle School, the Canby School District announced this week.
Thompson has also served as assistant principal at Ackerman Middle School and taught at the middle and high school levels. Starting next fall, he will become the fourth principal of Canby’s largest and main middle school since its opening in 2006 after Turner, Betty Rivinus and Lou Bailey.
“We have great confidence that Mr. Thompson is the right fit for Baker Prairie,” District Communications Director Kristen Wohlers said in a message to students and families.
In a community survey about Baker Prairie’s next leader, families overwhelmingly agreed they wanted someone who builds strong relationships with staff, students, families, and the community, Wohlers said.
They also expressed a need for a leader who would listen and communicate clearly and supports staff, while students hoped for someone approachable, understanding and fun.
“Sam has a proven record in our district of filling all these expectations and more,” Wohlers said.
In an email to the Carus community, Thompson said he is looking forward to returning the middle school environment.
“It is exciting for me to re-enter this setting,” Thompson said. “I am looking forward to creating opportunities for kids to blossom as they discover more about themselves and their individual interests and skills.”
Thompson said it has been an honor serving the Carus community for more than a decade and he looks forward to continuing to serve the Canby School District in his new role in the next academic year.
“While I will be sad to leave the halls of Carus, filled with dedicated and caring staff, and the joy, innocence, and curiosity of elementary learning, I am excited to be able to continue to serve you, and your children as they grow up and enter their middle school years, and face the joys and challenges of middle-level learning,” he said.
