School hires new principal, athletic director, more

Vacant positions are getting filled in the Grand Coulee Dam School District.

Natalie Kontos, who previously taught physical education at Lake Roosevelt Elementary, was hired as the new principal of the junior/senior high school. 

Taking on the athletic director and facilities coordinator positions is Nancy Kuiper, who is also the director of the SHARP Kids programs.

Wade Magers, who just retired from his position as Lincoln County Sheriff, will serve as the school safety officer.

“We’re excited to get him on board as our safety officer,” Turner said, explaining that having Magers in the building will allow him to monitor the safety of the school and already be there if there are problems. 

Turner explained that the district had received a state-funded grant to help enhance safety and security of the schools and that that money is being used to hire the safety officer, and could be used to hire a counselor, a position the school is still trying to fill.

Other new hires include: Jill Knittel as a high school science teacher; Brandon Brewster as a high school P.E. and weights teacher; Casey Ertz as the head cook; Brian Crosby as a kindergarten teacher; Tammy Norris as high school secretary; and Amy Saylor as human resource coordinator.