"I feel like Kingsley is one of the premier districts in Northern Michigan. I've wanted to work here for a long time."
Cody Wagatha is officially a Stag, after joining the district this summer as the High School's new Assistant Principal. Originally from Mesick, Mr. Wagatha's ties to the area and his specific interest in working in Kingsley made him stand out from other applicants, says Principal Chris Rapes.
"He wanted to come here. He said 'I want to come to Kingsley, I know I want to come to Kingsley, and I'm not looking anywhere else,'" said Principal Rapes. "We're getting somebody that's passionate to be here, and passionate to stay here."
Mr. Wagatha comes to KHS with nearly a decade of teaching experience at Pine River schools. He most recently worked at the middle school level and he's excited to return to working with high school students.
"At this age, their sense of humor is really developing and they're becoming who they're going to be. They're becoming young men and women and it's just fun to be a part of a big change," said Mr. Wagatha.
As assistant principal, he will be helping with teacher evaluations and supporting positive behavior initiatives.
"I'm here to help kids and to support the teachers, to help them have what they need to do their job because. I think we're in a really good spot to have a great year," said Mr. Wagatha.
"Cody is going to be an active part of the admin team. I don't view the assistant principal role here as an assistant, we are going to be co-administrators," said Principal Rapes.
Principal Rapes says he'd also love to start a mentoring program in the school, and having a two-person admin team will allow him time to build it.
"We brought somebody in that's a great fit. He complements my weak areas. I hope that families know that his perspective makes us better," said Principal Rapes.
All About Mr. Wagatha
Hometown: Mesick
Previous Position: Spent nine years in Pine River Schools
Alma Mater: "Central Michigan University for my undergrad and Grand Valley State University for a masters in educational leadership."
Hobbies: "My wife and I have two kids, a two-year-old and a four-month-old so they take up that's most of our time. We love sports and going to watch high school sports. Golfing in the summertime...Our friends, most of them moved back to the Kingsley area, so we spend time with them."
Fun fact: He coaches baseball and basketball!
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Say hi! Mr. Wagatha started with Kingsley Area Schools in July. You can reach out him at cwagatha@kingsleyschools.org
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