The Keokuk Board of Education and Interim Superintendent, Dr. Dan Mart, are happy to announce the principals for the Keokuk High School and George Washington Elementary School for the 2023-24 school year. A search conducted in February brought forth 14 interested candidates and through screening, five applicants advanced through the interview process. The interview committee was comprised of 20 teachers, support staff members, parents, administrators, members of the board of education, and a community member. Mr. Nathan Harrison was unanimously selected as the next principal for the Keokuk High School, filling the vacancy created by the current principal, Adam Magliari who has been selected as the next superintendent for the Mediapolis CSD. Ms. Dawna Daily was unanimously selected as the next
principal of George Washington Elementary, replacing Interim Principal, Russ Derr. The Keokuk Community School Board of Directors confirmed the hiring of both Nathan and Dawna at their meeting on Thursday, March 9, pending successful background checks.
Nathan Harrison has extensive experience as a classroom teacher, coach, and administrator, most recently serving as the Principal of Bushnell-Prairie City Junior High. He has led successful school improvement efforts, both raising student test scores and decreasing discipline issues. Mr. Harrison and his wife, Stephanie, who is also in education, have two young sons. He hopes to find a home in Keokuk before the start of the school year and said, “I am excited to serve the students, staff, and overall Keokuk community as the new high school principal. I am impressed by the outward show of support for our schools as I drive the streets of Keokuk and see so much purple and white. From painted driveways to Chiefs yard signs, KPride is evident throughout town, and I look forward to being part of the school community.”
Dawna Daily also has extensive experience as a classroom teacher, coach, and administrator, most recently serving as the Principal of Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School. In addition, she has junior high and high school principal experience. Dawna has created programs to celebrate student success and has improved instructional opportunities through creative scheduling. While she currently resides in Macomb, Illinois near her daughter and 3 grandchildren, she is also looking forward to the move to Keokuk. She stated, “I am very honored and excited to be joining the Keokuk Community as principal of George Washington Elementary. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families as we
work together to meet the needs and celebrate the success of each child. During my interview and site visit, I found that my passion for teaching and learning is shared with faculty and staff at GW, and I am excited to begin building those long-lasting relationships.”
Both Nathan and Dawna are scheduled to begin their official duties on July 1 of this year, but will be available to meet KCSD families at an Open House scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 3 to celebrate the Music addition and renovated entry projects recently completed at the Keokuk High School. Dr. Kathy Dinger, hired as Superintendent to replace outgoing Interim Superintendent, Dr. Dan Mart, will also be in attendance. The public is encouraged to attend to view the building improvements and greet the three new 2023-24 administrators.