What's Happening?
Scott Kelly, a veteran educator within the De Soto Area School District, has been appointed as the new principal of De Soto Middle & High School. Kelly is a familiar face in the district, having worked there for 13 years. He began his tenure teaching
science at the Middle & High School and, by his second year, also took on the responsibility of chartering and running the district's online virtual school, a role he continues to hold. Prior to this new appointment, Kelly served as an elementary principal for two years, first at Prairie View Elementary in Retreat, and then concurrently at both Prairie View and Stoddard Elementary. His transition to the Middle & High School principal role is part of a broader district board plan, which saw previous Middle & High School principal Tim Fergot become superintendent, and Derek Fuglsang take over as principal for both Prairie View and Stoddard Elementary for the 2026-27 school year.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Scott Kelly as principal of De Soto Middle & High School is significant for the De Soto Area School District as it represents a strategic internal promotion, leveraging an individual with deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record. Kelly's extensive experience, ranging from science teacher to elementary principal and virtual school administrator, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the district's educational landscape and student needs. His background in both traditional and online learning environments is particularly valuable in today's evolving educational climate. For students, faculty, and parents in De Soto, this leadership change aims to provide continuity and stability, as Kelly is already familiar with the district's culture and direction. Superintendent Tim Fergot emphasized the advantage of having a principal who knows the community and is adept at building relationships with teachers and students, which is crucial for fostering a positive and effective learning environment.
What's Next?
Scott Kelly will continue in his role as the new principal of De Soto Middle & High School, focusing on building relationships with teachers and students and guiding the school's educational initiatives. His ongoing involvement with the online virtual school suggests a continued emphasis on integrating technology and diverse learning modalities within the district. The De Soto Area School District's leadership structure, with Tim Fergot as superintendent and Derek Fuglsang overseeing elementary schools, indicates a coordinated effort to manage and improve educational outcomes across all levels. Kelly's diverse educational background, including multiple degrees and ongoing studies, suggests a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in his leadership role. The district will likely monitor the impact of these leadership changes on student performance, faculty morale, and community engagement in the coming academic years.
