As the end of the year draws near, many preparations for changes are occurring. Seniors are preparing for their change in schools, juniors are preparing for the change in being the “big dogs” of the school (finally), underclassmen are preparing for their next year and what their change in schedule will be like and the staff is preparing for the changes in classes and students for the 2017-2018 school year. However, all of LHS is preparing for their change in principal.

Robert Grimm was chosen to be the new LHS principal for the 2017-2018 school year, replacing Val Fox after a great and successful 17 year career. Therefore, it was not an easy process to find someone to fill her shoes and resulted in thorough checks on all the applicants.

“The hiring process was extensive. I submitted an online application and cleared a screening process,” said Grimm. “I interviewed via Skype with the superintendent, associate superintendent and several other Sioux Falls personnel. After having multiple reference checks, I flew to Sioux Falls and interviewed in front of a committee of 10. It was intense. After completion of the interview, there was a writing assessment. Overall, it was one of the most thorough processes I ever completed.”

In the end, Grimm was the best candidate for the position. According to superintendent Brian Maher, he had the most experience in a large school and in diverse populations along with many other exemplary qualifications.

“There were several things that made his candidacy for this position attractive,” said Maher. “They are: experience in turning around a failing school, experience in improving graduation rates, experience in improving AP participation, honorable service to the country as a member of our armed services and reference checks that are impeccable.”

Grimm was also chosen based on his prior experience in North and South Carolina where he held various positions in education.

“I served as a teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator in Charlotte Mecklenburg schools from 1992-2008,” said Grimm. “I served as principal of CE Williams Middle School and North Charleston High School in Charleston, SC from 2008-2016.”

As Grimm leaves his former positions behind, he looks forward to coming to Sioux Falls and meeting LHS students and staff in order to prepare for the new position he will fill.

“I plan on arriving early and meeting as many students, staff and parents I can prior to the start of the year,” said Grimm. “I believe it is important to listen to what others believe is working well and what might need adjusting. I will not know everything, so I must listen and learn.”

Maher anticipates there will be much change and maybe even some difficulty as the transition of principals is made. However, Maher also predicts LHS students will take the transition well and will greatly appreciate Grimm.

“Well, regardless of who we would have picked for the position – there would be change,” said Maher. “We are transitioning from an outstanding long term principal in Mrs. Fox. There will be some turbulence in the transition to approximate the excellence she has brought to the school.  I am hopeful that with a good deal of focus placed on student needs and continuing a quality work environment for adults, we will minimize the turbulence that comes with transition. I think ultimately Mr. Grimm will win over students and staff.  I believe this because he will work hard, he will care about LHS and he will serve kids.”

Before Grimm makes his transition to LHS, he would like students to know his expectations. Respect and understanding will be greatly needed as this will be a change for not only the students but him as well. He would also like the students to know is that he will ultimately be here to serve them and do what is in their best interest.

“I would appreciate the student body remembering, I am learning just as they are learning,” said Grimm. “We need to get to know each other. I am sure I will do things differently than Ms. Fox, and I will never be able to fill her shoes. I will not try to do so. I will work to earn the students’ trust and respect. The only expectation I have is we all show respect to each other because being kind and considerate with each interaction can only prove to increase our trust and well-being.”