Following an extensive search process to identify the next building leader for Bear Creek Elementary School, a D38 resident with a long list of leadership experience will take the helm as Mr. Donnell Potter was named BCES Principal for the 2023-2024 school year.
Departing the role is Mrs. Peggy Parsley, who will retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
“We are continually grateful for Mrs. Parsley’s 27 outstanding years of service in Lewis-Palmer School District 38, and especially the last 16 years as principal,” said Dr. KC Somers, D38 Superintendent.
Embarking upon the hiring process, families were invited to submit their desired attributes for a new building leader, as well as volunteer to serve on a principal selection advisory committee. Ultimately, after just over two months of work, a series of qualified finalists interviewed for the role, with Donnell Potter emerging as the top candidate.
“I want our families and staff to know I'm excited to gain a deeper knowledge of the people, school and get started on continuing the traditions of success at Bear Creek. I've enjoyed being part of BCES and D38,” Potter said. “There are so many great things going on in our community, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to build upon a great culture with a great staff and community.”
Potter recently has served as a building leader and administrator in both Colorado Springs School District 11, and Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8. Over his career, he has accrued 18 years of experience in school settings, starting as a teacher and serving in a variety of leadership roles.
“As Mr. Potter interviewed among a field of very qualified candidates, certain qualities stood out to our search committee, including his desire to be an ambassador in our community, his focus on effective collaboration and his ultimate goal of creating a safe environment to help staff and students grow and become the best versions of themselves,” Somers said. “We are confident that Mr. Potter will be a great fit and an outstanding leader for BCES.”
Potter is an engaged member of the D38 community, with four children currently enrolled in the district from Bear Creek Elementary School all the way through Lewis-Palmer High School.
Potter will join the D38 team in July in preparation for the upcoming school year.