Scheffel to Lead as the Next Principal at Longfellow Elementary

Posted By: Dan R March 15, 2022

Cory Scheffel is being recommended to the Salida School Board to serve as the next principal at Longfellow Elementary School.

Current Principal Chuck McKenna notified the school district that he planned to retire at the end of the ’21-’22 school year which allowed for a thoughtful process to select the next leader at the kindergarten through 4th grade campus. LES staff were able to share their hopes and vision for the future of the school and review applications for the position. The interview committee then identified four finalists, from both inside and outside of the organization, and unanimously recommended Scheffel to lead Longfellow beginning next fall. The School Board will have the opportunity to formally accept the recommendation at the April 12 regular meeting of the board.

Mr. Scheffel is a Colorado native and has called Salida home for the last 14 years. His journey in education began in Durango, Colorado where he did his student teaching in a second grade classroom at Park Elementary. His first full-time teaching position was at Glenwood Springs Elementary School where he taught fifth grade for seven years. During this time, he yearned for a quieter town closer to family and settled in Salida. He taught sixth grade at Salida Middle School for eleven years and during that time served as President of the Salida Education Association.

In 2019 he transitioned into the role of Dean of Students at Salida High School. During this time he helped lead Salida High School through the Decker Fire, the Covid 19 outbreak, and is currently serving as their Interim Principal. Throughout his career, Cory has always yearned to get back to his true passion in education, serving elementary students. In the 2022-2023 school year, Cory is excited to have his dream come true by having the opportunity to lead Longfellow Elementary School as their new principal. He looks forward to continuing the standard of excellence that has defined Longfellow Elementary and is excited to become a Longfellow Mountain Lion.

Mr. McKenna started his career in education in 1980 and joined Salida Schools in 2013. In that time, he has served as a principal, interim superintendent, taught kindergarten through 12th grade, was an instructor at Northeastern Junior College, a mental health therapist, and a Trappist monk at St. Benedict’s Monastery. He has lived in Salida since 1998 with his wife, and his daughters attended Salida Schools. He looks forward to the additional time to enjoy the community and all of the outdoor fun it offers.

Dan R
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