Current Happy Valley Middle School Assistant Principal Doug Mitchell announced he will be accepting a position as principal of the adjacent Happy Valley High School.

The announcement comes after current HVHS  principal Bernie Young announced he would be retiring at the end of the school year.

“Having served previously as a school principal, I was seeking an opportunity to lead and direct a school community as principal,” Mitchell said. “I felt like Happy Valley High School would be a great fit for me.”

Mitchell has over 30 years of experience in Carter County Schools, serving 25 of those as a Boys Varsity Basketball coach and teacher and five of which as an elementary school principal.

As the transition process unfolds throughout the summer, Mitchell said one of his goals is to make sure all students who graduate are college/career ready.

“Our school programs must successfully prepare our students to be viable candidates for post-secondary education or workforce readiness,” he said.

He said he hopes to instill a “culture of high expectations for all stakeholders,” including parents, staff, students and community members alike.

This culture includes an environment of safety that will encourage opportunities for success.

“Our Carter County School System leaders feel strongly, as I do, in providing the best structures for teaching and learning, achievement, and student success, including those at Happy Valley High School,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said his prior experience with Carter County, particularly Happy Valley, encouraged him to seek out the position.

“Having been given the opportunity to serve the Happy Valley school community as a school leader, I accepted the position and feel honored to be named [principal],” he said. “It is a school system where individuals can make a positive impact on students, staff, and all stakeholders.”

Mitchell will begin serving as principal at the start of the 2019-2020 school year in August.