MCKINNEY — The McKinney Elementary School council has selected McGuffey 6th-Grade Center teacher Jeff Craiger to be its new principal.
Superintendent Karen Hatter said the decision was made Tuesday and Craiger, who has taught for the Lincoln school system for 11 years, hoped to start the very next day in his new role.
“He’s eager to be a principal and an educational leader. He was particularly attracted to McKinney Elementary because he ... grew up in a rural setting,” Hatter said.
The council was unanimous in its decision to hire Craiger, who has taught at the elementary and middle school levels.
Hatter said Craiger met all the criteria the council had agreed upon, like experience in elementary schools and being approachable, fair and consistent.
On top of that, the council felt like they “clicked” and worked well with Craiger, she added.
“They were very comfortable with him during the interview process, and he was very comfortable with them,” Hatter said.
The new school year officially begins in a week, giving Craiger limited time before things get rolling.
Hatter said there will be an open house and ice cream social at McKinney Elementary from 3 to 4:30 p.m. this Sunday, when parents will have the opportunity to meet Craiger and teachers at the school.
