Principal of the Year

When Bill Peters saw a letter on his desk from the Iowa High School Athletic Association his first thought was that he’d forgotten to send something into the association. But Peters, the principal at Newton High School, hadn’t forgotten anything. Instead, he was being recognized as Principal of the Year by the association, something he said he didn’t expect.

“It’s a great honor,” Peters said.

Scott Garvis, the high school’s athletic director, was the one who nominated Peters for the award. In a phone interview on Thursday, Garvis said he was thrilled to find out Peters had won. Garvis said he can’t think of anyone more deserving than Peters.

“He is a one of the best principals you could ask for, he really cares about his community,” Garvis said. “He cares about our kids, he goes above and beyond to make sure kids have what they need.”

While Peters may be too modest to boast, Garvis said working alongside the principal for the last six years has been an eye-opener. Garvis said he’s seen Peters always work hard to put students and faculty members first. Working behind the scenes, Peters has increased the opportunities available to students at the high school, from creating partnerships that allow students to receive college credit while still attending high school to providing teachers like Ruth DenHartog the opportunity to travel overseas to learn about education in other countries.

Under Peters’ leadership students can earn college credit via advanced placement, or AP classes, as well as through DMACC’s Career Academy, taking classes in welding and culinary arts. Opportunities like these give students a leg up as they head into adulthood, Garvis said.

“He really worked hard since he’s been here to get the college credit for our students with the teachers here for the high school,” Garvis said. “Some of these kids graduated with a DMACC diploma as well as a high school diploma.”

This is the final year that Garvis and Peters will work side by side at the high school. Garvis is leaving the district to take a position as the athletic director at Centennial High School in Ankeny. As he introduced Peters during Monday night’s meeting of the Newton Community School District Board Garvis became a little emotional. Having a boss like Peters to work with makes leaving hard, Garvis said.

“I feel really lucky to have worked him for the past six years,” Garvis said. “I will really miss working with him. I think he does a great job, and I think we need to acknowledge people who do great work.”

Since news of the award broke Peters said he’s been inundated with phone calls and text message congratulating him for his accomplishment. A lifelong Newton Cardinal, Peters said the attention he’s receiving has been almost a little overwhelming at times.

“It’s just been really nice, lots of people reaching out to congratulate me, lots of kind words, I get pretty embarrassed to be honest with you,” Peters said.

The IHSAA will hold an award ceremony during halftime of the boys state basketball championship on March 9. Modest to a fault, Peters said he plans to accept the award, but he wants to acknowledge the efforts of his students and staff.

“Quite honestly, I’m accepting on behalf of the Newton Cardinals, we have a great staff, great kids, and a great community here,” Peters said.

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com