By Noah Johnson

njohnson@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — A local school has a brand new principal for the academic year.

Andy Doutree is the new principal at Escanaba Junior High and High School.

Doutree, a graduate of Northern Michigan University (NMU) is taking over the position, as the former principal, Darci Stenfors retired at the end of last year.

Before getting into education, Doutree went straight into the military out of high school.

He served a total of eight years with one tour in Iraq.

Doutree earned his bachelor’s degree/teaching certificate at NMU before earning his master’s degree from Mangrove College. He also is credited with an administrative certificate from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.

Doutree is no stranger to the area as he is a county native.

“I am born and raised in Delta County,” Doutree said.

He is also no stranger to providing education in the area as he taught in Marquette, Gwin and Gladstone for the past 14 years.

“Of those years at Gladstone, the last eight I was appointed to the Director of Student Services position part-time and I taught sixth grade science the other part,” Doutree said.

He said that he sees his role as principal as an overseer of all daily school operations and activities.

“The principal needs to ensure a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters student and staff growth. I need to set into motion all the pieces to ensure everyone is successful and becomes productive members of our community,” Doutree said.

Doutree is working to implement new initiatives and programs into the education plan for the students.

“We’ve started a new initiative called ’20 Minute Mondays’, and our mantra this year is ‘Finding Your Voice’. Where we start each week with a short lesson focusing on building up our students to become leaders,” he said.

He explained that the curriculum is from Leader in Me and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Each week focuses on a different topic such as character, work ethic, trustworthiness and more.

” At the end of each week we’ll identify and celebrate a student Leader of the Week who has exemplified that week’s topic,” Doutree said.

He said he wants the students to know they are learning in an excellent school where they can feel safe to spread their wings and learn.

“They (students) can expect me to be visible and available to champion their learning and successes. I want students to know I am working hard to build relationships and I hope they know I genuinely care about them,” he said.

Doutree recognizes that he is replacing a well-known leader in the community, but knows he is up to the task.

“Mrs. Stenfors, my predecessor, did a great job leading the school and left big shoes to fill,” he said.

According to Doutree, the reaction from the community regarding his hiring has been welcoming and positive.

“My family are all from the area, so many people already knew me and the values I hold true. As the school year has started and progressed I’ve heard many people share their positive sentiments that they are looking forward to the year ahead,” he said.

He extended his thanks to the Eskymo Community for their welcoming attitude and looks forward to meeting more members of the community.

“Go Eskymos,” he said.