Griep moves from Central to Har-Ber

On June 30, 2018, Dr. Paul Griep officially began his tenure as Har-Ber High’s new principal. Griep accepted the position, which was previously held by Danny Brackett, who accepted the position of Coordinator for Student services for the Springdale School District on May 11.

Dr. Griep previously served as principal of Central Junior High in Springdale where he served for four years and created a community among both teachers and students.

“Dr. Griep was always accessible to both teachers and students,” said Ashley Monson, a sophomore English teacher who worked with Griep at Central.

As Griep starts his new beginning at Har-Ber, the transition seems to be smooth for him.

“Having been in a high school before, I was aware of the events,” said Dr. Griep.

One of the biggest culture shocks to Griep was the size of Har-Ber. With the enrollment of 2,000 students, it’s one of the biggest high schools in the state.

“It was a bit of an eye opener because of its size,” Griep said. “It’s just getting use to that scope.”

Not threatened by the size, Dr. Griep is ready to take the school “to the next level.”

“I ask myself, what can we prepare the 50% of kids that aren’t going to college,” said Griep on the enrichment programs at Har-Ber.

As far as the staff goes, members are welcoming and supportive for Griep’s start at HBHS.

“I’m excited, and obviously there’s a learning curve for us both, getting to know each other and how we work best,” Mrs. Kara New said. New served Dr. Brackett as his administrative assistant and will now perform that role for Dr. Griep.

Dr. Griep is set for the upcoming years with Har-Ber and sets out to take HBHS to the next level. He’s ready to build a closer community that, “includes all.”

“Get involved and get connected,” said Griep, “your voice is huge to me”.