Photo: Abigail Atkinson / Fayetteville Flyer
FAYETTEVILLE — Michelle Miller could be the next principal at Fayetteville High School.
Superintendent John L. Colbert has recommended Miller to replace current principal Jay Dostal, who will resign after the end of the school year to take a job in another state. The Board will vote on the proposal at its next meeting on Thursday, April 28.
Miller is an assistant principal at the high school. Her recommendation was announced by the District in a Facebook post on Monday.
The search for a new principal began shortly after Dostal’s retirement announcement in January.
“It was no surprise that there was a great deal of interest in this opening,” said Colbert. “Dr. Miller emerged from this strong field of candidates, and I am confident that her unique skills and experience, plus her knowledge of and commitment to FHS, will make her a strong leader for our largest campus.”
Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in secondary education from East Central University, an educational specialist’s degree from Arkansas State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas. She was a National Board certified teacher in adolescent and young adult mathematics, from 2011 to 2021, according to the District.
Miller has served on the faculty at FHS since 2008 as an Advanced Placement calculus teacher, small learning community lead teacher, dean of students, vice principal, and assistant principal. She previously taught at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, the Fort Smith School District, and at three Texas schools in Kaufman, Killeen and Temple.
Michelle Miller / Fayetteville Public Schools
“I am very honored to be recommended for this position,” said Miller. “Fayetteville High School is very near and dear to me, and I look forward to working with our outstanding staff and students in a new leadership role to continue and build upon the tradition of excellence at FHS.”
Current principal Jay Dostal has accepted a position in Nebraska. He will become principal at Westside High School in Omaha where he graduated.
“We are grateful for the energy, expertise, and vision he brought in his time at Fayetteville High School,” said Colbert. “It has truly been a pleasure having Dr. Dostal as a part of our leadership team.”
Dostal has been principal at FHS since July 2018. He was previously principal at Kearney High School in Kearney, Nebraska.
