After years of working in education, Robert Koenigsknecht is looking forward to serving as an elementary principal in Dragon Country.
Koenigsknecht, also known as Mr. K to his students and staff, is filling the position of interim principal at Paint Creek Elementary, a position that become vacant after previous principal Bev Tepper accepted a position as an associate principal at Lake Orion High School.
After working as an elementary principal in Utica for 27 years, Koenigsknecht retired from Utica Community Schools eight years ago, and has been filling in on various positions around the state since his retirement. This is his seventh experience as an interim principal.
‘I still have a passion for the job,? he said. ‘As long as I can contribute, I will continue in education.?
Koenigsknecht is very pleased to be working in Lake Orion, and said that he is very impressed with the feeling of a close knit family that Paint Creek and the district offers, as well as Lake Orion being a ‘community where people truly care about each other and are willing to be there for each other.?
‘That’s what makes great schools,? he added. ‘It’s a great place to work and a great atmosphere for children to learn.?
Koenigsknecht has already been warned of the challenges that former Principal Tepper faced, including taking a worm mud bath as a reward for the students participating in reading. He said that he will be a good sport, and listen to the students? ideas.
‘I may have to draw the line,? he joked, ‘but I would certainly put the challenge out to the students to read.?
‘I would like to continue to carry on the strong tradition they have here at Paint Creek,? Koenigsknecht added.
He places an emphasis on the concept of ‘winning with team work,? and credits the staff, the students and their families for the success that makes Paint Creek a great school.
Koenigsknecht lives in Birmingham with his wife, Pat, and is both a proud father and grandfather.