SCSD2 announces new Meadowlark principal

At its work session on May 17, the Sheridan County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees approved Scott Cleland as the new Meadowlark Elementary School principal. Currently principal at Highland Park Elementary, Cleland will take the reins at Meadowlark this summer.

According to a press release from the district, Cleland’s education career spans a total of 21 years, including ten years in Colorado teaching elementary students; two years teaching at Highland Park; two year as an administrator at Woodland Park and Sheridan High School; and most recently seven years as Highland Park principal.

Cleland holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from the University of Wyoming, where he also earned his principal endorsement. He is expecting to complete his Doctorate in Education in the coming year through UW.

Under Cleland’s leadership, Highland Park Elementary has maintained status as a national model Professional Learning Communities site and earned a National Blue Ribbon award.

In addition to his leadership roles, Cleland is an active coach in the community. He has coached youth soccer and wrestling for years and currently serves as an assistant wrestling coach at Sheridan High School.

“Scott Cleland is an outstanding educator,” said Scott Stults, incoming superintendent of schools for SCSD2. “Through his work at Highland Park, Scott has proven that he can bring a group of professionals together as a cohesive unit, with a positive, nurturing focus on student growth and learning.”

“I truly look forward to joining the Meadowlark team,” Cleland said. “My goal is to draw on the hard work the Bobcat staff and students have already done. I believe that together we will continue to create tremendous opportunities for students to shine and grow in our community.”

“The staff at Meadowlark has created an environment of high expectations for learning and continued growth, and I come with those same expectations for our students and staff,” Cleland said.

Cleland replaces outgoing principal Christy Spielman, who will take over as principal of Sheridan Junior High School starting this summer. The district is in the process of selecting a new principal for Highland Park, with the goal of hiring in mid-June.