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Lake Roosevelt's new principal, Natalie Kontos, has worked in the Grand Coulee Dam School District for several years and plans to be here for several more. 

Kontos had taught elementary school physical education and health at LR Elementary for the past eight years before being approved by the school board as the new junior-senior high school principal in June. 

"During this time, I have had the privilege of teaching and building relationships with every student in our school," she wrote to The Star in an email. "While I have enjoyed this, I knew I wanted to have a greater impact in education." 

To that end, last spring, Kontos completed her master's degree in educational leadership with principal certification from Eastern Washington University.

"I know the majority of the students because I had them in PE," she said. "As the principal, I would love to welcome current 7th graders as they are starting their junior high experience and be able to congratulate those same students at their senior graduation."

"I know the unique challenges that our students, parents, and teachers are facing," she said.

Kontos said a high turnover rate of employees has been a challenge within the district. 

"I hope I can provide the district with the longevity and stability that it needs. ... My family and I are invested in this community. My husband works as an electrician for the dam, and I have two daughters at our elementary school."

"I am excited to motivate students, engage families, and collaborate with staff to ensure everyone can be successful at school," she said. "I want LR to be a place where everyone wants to be, because our students deserve the best possible education and school experience."

"We're excited for her," Superintendent Paul Turner told The Star. "We feel she'll be dedicated to the kids and the program; we're excited for her to take on the job."