Every building in Kingfisher Public Schools now has its own principal.

Superintendent David Glover announced last week his assignment of Erin Michael as the principal at Kingfisher Upper Elementary.

Michael was in her second year as the high school assistant principal and secondary curriculum director.

Shane Hood, who has been principal at both the upper elementary (Grades 4-6) and Heritage Elementary (Grades 2-3) will focus solely on Heritage, said Glover.

This is the first full year for Kingfisher to transition students after the completion of the junior high building.

That pulled seventh and eighth graders out of what was then Kingfisher Middle School for the final weeks of the 21-22 year.

This year, instead of housing fiftheighth, the middle school has students in fourth-sixth grades and was rebranded Kingfisher Upper Elementary.

Heritage Elementary went from third and fourth grades last year to second and third grades this year.

That left Gilmour Elementary with pre-k, kindergarten and first grades.

When the junior high was opened last year, Keith Campbell made the move as its principal from the middle school. (Note: Campbell has since become the superintendent at Balko Schools and Stuart Purintun is now Kingfisher Junior High principal.)

Hood served as principal at both Heritage and the middle school/upper elementary in the interim.

The most recent move was made by Glover after discussions with his committees of teachers as well as what he felt was a need to have a principal in each building.

“This was something that came up with our Excellence Committee in talks with them,” said Glover about the committee of teachers with which he meets regularly. “It’s just widely felt we need an administrator to focus on each building and I feel we are a large enough district to have that.”

Michael came to Kingfi sher prior to last year from Edmond Public Schools.

She was a special education teacher there at Heartland Middle School for one year and at a Deer Creek elementary the year before that.

She’s also taught English, geography, history and special education at stops at U.S. Grant High School, Summit Middle School and Deer Creek Middle School since 2006.

Michael graduated from Deer Creek in 1991.

She went on to earn a bachelor’s in English and philosophy from Texas Christian University and then a master’s in education administration from UCO.

“She has all the necessary certifications,” Glover said. “We’re very fortunate to have someone like her. She’s a great leader.”

Michael said she’s ready to tackle the mid-year move to a new building and acquaint herself with new staff and students.

“I’m excited to make the move,” she said.

“Coming into a building in the middle of the year presents unique challenges and the students, staff and families at KUE have seen a lot of transition over the last six months.”

Michael added she’s ready to put a plan into place to make the move a successful one as students and staff also adjust to her.

“I’ll need to build trust and create consistency,” she said. “My first priority will be to calm nerves, offer support and get to know everyone. To accomplish that, I think it is important just to be present, listen to concerns, celebrate successes and formulate plans in collaboration with staff to ensure high levels of success for all.”

Glover said Michael will continue her role as curriculum director, at least for the remainder of the year.

“We’ll re-evaluate in the spring and see where we want to go from there,” Glover said.

He said he’s reviewing some options to fill Michael’s role at the high school for the rest of this school year.

“We’re looking at some things and hopefully will be able to announce something on that before long,” Glover said.