When the Watonga School Board needed a new high school principal, it didn’t have to look very far. They happened to have one in stock.
Kirk Wilson has been serving as the district's athletic director and transportation manager, but he had previously been principal at Geary High School.
The vacancy was created by the resignation of Lauren Coleman, who was hired away by Kingfisher High School.
Kirk Wilson’s spouse, Amber Wilson, is the principal at Watonga Elementary School, where she is entering her second year.
Superintendent Kyle Hilterbran said “We are extremely excited to have Mr. Wilson and Mr. Richardson stepping into these leadership roles. Both men have already shown tremendous commitment to our students, staff and community during their time at Watonga Public Schools. Mr. Wilson has done an outstanding job building trust and respect through our school district and community and we believe he is a great fit as principal.”
The board also hired Leroy Richardson as head high school track coach. Richardson is a Watonga graduate and has served as an assistant coach and in other roles at the schools in addition to running his business. Richardson will continue to serve as assistant football coach for his alma mater.
“Mr. Richardson brings great energy, passion and knowledge to our track program and we are excited to see him lead our student-athletes moving forward. We are fortunate to have both of them continue serving our district in these new capacities,” Hilterbran said.