Bailey named principal of Gateway Educational Center

Pictured from left are Keller, Finn, Mandy and David Bailey. Photo Provided.
News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools named Dave Bailey as the principal of Gateway Educational Center on Tuesday.

The school board approved him at their work session Tuesday.

Bailey graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1996 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Butler University; his educational administration degree from Ball State University; and is currently pursuing his educational specialist degree from Indiana State University, according to a news release from WCS.

Bailey has been with WCS all of his entire career, and he has had a wealth of experiences, both as an educator and as an administrator, stated the release. For the past year and a half, Bailey has been a Warsaw Community High School assistant principal. Prior to that, he was a Step One teacher for four years, a special education teacher for one year and a social studies teacher for 15 years.

Dave’s wife, Mandy, also works for WCS as an at-risk counselor. Together they have two sons who both attend WCHS: Keller, a senior; and Finn, a sophomore.

Jeff Grose, WCHS social studies teacher, said, “Dave is a longtime servant-leader not only within our school system, but also for our entire community. Over the years, I have constantly seen him in numerous situations serving, leading and improving the quality of life for so many others.”

Bailey said, “I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with the staff at Gateway Education Center. I know that the work can be difficult, but the rewards are worth the effort. I am humbled with the opportunity, and I am excited to get started soon.

“I have been with WCS for 22 years and over that time I have admired the work done at GEC. They are making a difference at all stages of a student’s life. They are wrapping around students in need and celebrating students’ successes. Thank you, Mr. (Steve) Ferber, for your leadership and dedication to the success of the program.”

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert added, “We are thrilled to recommend Mr. Dave Bailey as the next director of the Gateway Education Center. Mr. Bailey is a graduate and lifelong member of the Warsaw Community Schools family. He has been a phenomenal teacher, coach, administrator and most importantly mentor/role model within our school community. His past responsibilities will assist with the many roles including alternative and adult education.

With this move, an interim WCHS assistant principal will be named. Later this spring, the search committee will focus on filling the open assistant principal position.