New EHS Principal Justin Bogart is excited to get students back in the building as he starts his first school year in the district.
Bogart’s adjustment to the new role has gone smoothly so far, but having teachers and students in the building is what makes all the difference, he said. Bogart said he felt the district was a perfect fit from his first interview.
“They’re the ones who take care of our kids, and I want to get off to a great start to take care of them,” Bogart said. “We’re in for the kids to create great experiences for them to watch them grow, so it’ll feel even more real when the students arrive.”
Former Principal Ron Abel started giving Bogart a feel for the school at the end of the school year, and it made the transition that much better, he said. Having worked in large and small districts has given Bogart different experiences.
He hopes to make sure every student knows that everyone in the building cares about them and wants them to be successful.
“We’re ready to work with them to help them reach the potential that they see in themselves, and maybe that they don’t see in themselves,” he said.
As the community continues to grow, Bogart plans to look into how to be more attractive as a district. Helping students prepare for the workforce, trade school or a traditional four-year college by growing the amount of concurrent enrollment programs the district has is one of the priorities, he said.
Continuing to grow the ed tech program, which has been successful under Abel’s direction, and adding advanced placement courses are also ways Bogart said students can grow their careers with district support.
In the 2024-2025 school year, open enrollment for students to attend districts across Kansas will add to these growth factors, he said.
“I think in order to make us an even more attractive district that there should be some more academic pieces in place for us that people will be looking for,” he said.
Bogart graduated from Tonganoxie High School then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from KU. He also received a master’s of school leadership and a doctorate degree in district leadership from Baker University.
Bogart began his teaching career at De Soto High School for five years before working at Mill Valley High School for 15 years. He then worked as associate principal at Leavenworth High School before his most recent position as associate principal at Shawnee Mission South.
Superintendent Stu Moeckel agreed Bogart’s transition is going well.
“Obviously following a long serving principal is always going to be a challenge, but he’s equal to that challenge, and just really impressed us bringing in some different viewpoints as well as his adaptability to the Cardinal way,” Moeckel said.
Bringing in Bogart gives the district a great outside perspective with fresh ideas, Moeckel said.
“I think the Eudora community itself has been so welcoming,” Moeckel said. “He’s coming into a situation where there’s that support from both the board as well as the community and the teachers understanding, ‘Hey, this is just kind of a next step for Eudora High School.”
Cara Kimberlin, assistant principal and activities director, said Bogart’s interaction with the staff and students started the day he interviewed. He’s the kind of guy who will remember your name the second time you see him, she said.
His communication with staff and his open door policy has helped with communication and allowed teachers to be receptive to that, Kimberlin said.
“He’s excited to get going. You could tell and, like anyone, you do all the prep work, it’s kind of like practicing. You’re doing all the practice, but you want to get in the game,” Kimberlin said. “He’s ready to get in the game.”
Overall, Bogart is excited to have students back into the building and feels like Eudora is a great place for him to work.
“The district has made me feel very welcome, included me in some summer conferences, and some opportunities for me to grow my own leadership, so it’s been a great start so far.” he said.
