The search to replace former TAHS Principal Tom Yoder, who retired in March, has concluded. Chad Packer, the assistant principal at the Tyrone Area Elementary School since November 2021, was approved by the TASD school board to move into the high school principal position in July.

“I want to help create the best environment and empower others for every student to learn and reach their potential. The value of teamwork and working with faculty members to improve student learning is also an important aspect that drives my administrative philosophy,” said Packer.

Packer, a Howard, Pennsylvania native and a graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School, graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.

His teaching and administrative background include 23 years in education during which he taught multiple grade levels, though this will be his first experience at the secondary school level.

Packer began his career in the Bald Eagle Area School District as an elementary teacher. He was a reading specialist and served as the data and intervention coordinator for grades K-8. He also has administrative experience as the principal at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School for grades PreK-8.

Packer joined the Tyrone Area Elementary School in November of 2021 with a diverse set of responsibilities.

“My responsibilities [at TAES] were to work in a collaborative effort in developing and maintaining effective educational programs, meet and confer with students, parents, faculty, and staff. This included supervising teachers and the implementation of instructional programs, using walkthroughs, observations, documentations, and follow-up conferences,” said Packer, “I also assisted teachers in evaluating methods and materials and developing effective learning plans and classroom management techniques, as well as maintaining records, files, and preparing reports.

With his diverse background in the education field, Packer is looking forward to bringing his perspectives to the high school.

“The challenges of being a high school principal and working with the staff to make an impact on student achievement at TAHS is most appealing,” said Packer.

Being new to the high school atmosphere, Parker will have to overcome some obstacles that may fall in his way.

“The biggest obstacle right now is getting started. We will be planning all summer with the anticipation of everyone coming back into the building. I am excited to get started, but have the challenge of making sure everything is ready for a smooth school year,” said Packer.

With the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, students, staff, and parents are interested to see how Parker may handle high-risk situations differently than past principals. It seems that Packer wants to be more open about these situations with students and the community to show that anything can happen.

“The most important aspect of handling high-risk situations is to be prepared for them. Proving drills and training to faculty, staff, and students to prepare for different situations is very important. It is also important to communicate with the community the safety measures being taken to prepare for those types of situations,” said Packer.

In 2022, mental health issues are in the public eye more now than ever. Packer says that it is important to create an environment through the school where students can feel safe and find help.

“Putting a system in place to identify those in need is very important in helping those with mental health issues. We will continue to work collaboratively to identify those in need and provide or help find the best resources to help students in need,” said Packer.