This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available. 

The district announced Olathe Public Schools administrator Gail Holder as Mill Valley’s next principal in a press release Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Holder currently works as Olathe East’s assistant principal, and formerly worked as Olathe’s assistant director of teaching and learning. She has almost 30 years of experience in professional education and, when the school board approves the decision at their next meeting Monday, March 2, will succeed retiring Tobie Waldeck to become the school’s third principal in 20 years.

Holder was selected from four finalists for the position after a lengthy interview process with students, faculty and parents. According to district superintendent Frank Harwood, Holder best represented what the school was looking for in a new principal.

“We are pleased to have Gail Holder joining the Mill Valley High School community,” Harwood said. “It became clear to us through the interview process that included parents, students, and teachers that she is the individual who will help MVHS continue to improve and support our vision of maximizing the potential of every student.”

Holder, a former English teacher and dance director, looks forward to meeting the school’s community while she waits to officially take over as principal.

“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the next principal of Mill Valley High School,” Holder said.  “I look forward to serving the students, staff, and community by building on the already established tradition of excellence.”