Guthrie Public Schools filled their two principal positions at Central Elementary and Junior High in a special meeting Wednesday evening. The new hires are well-known in the school system.
Dani Watson was named principal at Central Elementary.
The Board of Education approved the recommendation of Dani Watson for the lead position at Central and Robbie Rainwater at the Junior High. For both, it will be their first time to serve in the top position after serving as assistant principals last year.
“Having the luxury of home growing leadership speaks to the quality of our staff. These candidates went through our usual selection process and earned their promotions and lead buildings,” Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson said.
“I’m very excited about having their expertise at the Junior High and Central Elementary.”
Watson will begin her 12th year for Guthrie schools. She served as the assistant principal at Guthrie Upper Elementary School a year ago. Previous she taught for one year at Central, three years at Cotteral Elementary and six years at Fogarty.
“I am very excited to be moving back to Central. I appreciate Dr. Simpson giving me this opportunity and I look forward to many great years at Central,” Watson said.
Watson says she looks forward to going back to the building where she taught.
“The staff there (Central) is phenomenal, and I look forward to being their leader and continuing down a positive path. Together we can provide an awesome learning experience for the first graders in Guthrie,” Watson said.
Originally from Mulhall, Watson received her Bachelors at Oklahoma State University and her Masters from Central Oklahoma.
Watson is married to Kenton, has two step daughters Chelsey and Josie and a son named Reid. All three children are students in Guthrie.
Robbie Rainwater was announced as the new principal at Guthrie Junior High.
Rainwater will begin his tenth year in the Guthrie school system. Last year he served as the Junior High assistant principal after teaching for eight years at the same school. Before coming to Guthrie, he taught and coached at Pawnee High School.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue serving the students and staff at Guthrie Junior High in this new capacity,” Rainwater said.
A proud graduate of Oklahoma State University and member of the POSSE, Rainwater helped coach the BlueJays to two football state championships and guided the Jays baseball teams to multiple state tournaments.
Rainwater is married to Lana and has two children Hailey, 7, and Jace, 5.
“I have spent the last 11 years in education and I have to say the experiences have been nothing short of exceptional. I have been very fortunate to work with great students and be a part of a great teaching staff as well as coaching staffs. I look forward to the differences, challenges and new faces that each year presents,” Rainwater concluded.
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