Dustin Blake appointed principal of Iron River School

Iron River School will have a new principal starting next school year.

On Tuesday, Northern Lights Public Schools announced Dustin Blake had been appointed principal for the 2022-2023 school year, replacing current principal Karen Draycott.

“Throughout his time with NLPS, Dustin has shown a commitment to engaging students and building strong relationships with families and the community,” said Superintendent Rick Cusson in a press release. “He is focused on providing students with opportunities to excel both academically and through extracurricular activities, and connecting with all stakeholders to enhance the opportunities available to students.”

Mr. Blake began his career with Northern Lights as a student teacher at Iron River School. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a combined Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Physical Education degree, he worked as a Grade 1 teacher at Duclos School before taking on the role of Physical Education teacher at H.E. Bourgoin Middle School in Bonnyville.

In 2017, Mr. Blake transferred to Iron River School, where he has taught Grades 5-8 math, science, and physical education. He also coaches cross-country running, mountain biking, volleyball, basketball, and track and field and currently serves as President of the Lakeland Schools Athletic Association.

“I am so excited and blessed to be the new principal at Iron River School,” said Blake in the release. “This entire school community means so much to me, and I will do my best to make sure that it continues to be an amazing place for students to reach their greatest potential.”