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Ross settling in as high school principal

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David Ross began his tenure as MFL MarMac’s high school principal July 1. He’s settled in Monona with wife Billie and children Lexie, Logan, Gunnar and Carson. (Photo courtesy of Heather Holt of Holt Portrait Design)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Now a few weeks into his position as MFL MarMac’s high school principal, David Ross said things are going well.

“We felt welcome the first moment we arrived,” he said, noting that some people even showed up to help unload the U-Haul. His kids are already taking swimming lessons and making friends.

Ross and his family, which includes wife Billie and children Lexie (10), Logan (8), Gunnar (6) and Carson (3), settled in Monona, a block from the school. He’s excited to be able to walk to work for the first time in his life.

A native of southeast Iowa, Ross earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Iowa Wesleyan  and his administrative master’s degree from Iowa State. His first teaching position was in Illinois, where he taught English and history and coached track. He then taught English in Pella, while also coaching football and serving as a driver’s education instructor. Ross was most recently the sixth- through 12th-grade principal at Harmony Community School District.

“Then, the opportunity came up to move here, to Clayton County,” he said, adding that he’s frequented the area since 2000, camping, hunting and fishing. His wife is also from the area. “It seemed like a great move to a great school.”

MFL MarMac was appealing, said Ross, because of its progressiveness. 

“MFL MarMac is a solid school that has great community support,” he said. “It’s moving and growing and doing what’s best for kids. That’s pretty exciting.”

The district’s one-to-one programs and career technology education programs are especially exciting, he noted. This fall, new MacBook Airs will be rolled out for high school students. A new AutoCAD machine connected to a plasma cutter can be programmed to design art and signage.

Ross said he’s met most of the staff, since teachers tend to come and go from school even throughout the summer. He’s also become acquainted with many students as they take advantage of the weight room, open gym and sports camps.

“Even during the summer, school is a hub for the community,” he said.

Ross said he’s ready for fall and the start of school, though, making a plug for registration, which is Monday, Aug. 10 in Monona and Tuesday, Aug. 11 in McGregor.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in the community,” he said, adding that fall sports will be fun to watch, as well. “We have an up-and-coming football team and a new volleyball coach with a team that’s looking to make an impact. Cross country is also coming on strong. I’m excited about all kinds of things.”

Celebrating successes and promoting the high school and its students and staff is one goal Ross has for the upcoming year.

“I want people to know about the great things we have going on here,” he explained.

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