Shawn Arnold will be next principal of TMHS

The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Shawn Arnold will be the next principal of Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS). Arnold is currently the Director of Student Services for the Juneau School District, managing the Special Education Program and other student-related services such as counseling, students in transition, student activities and school climate.

The district conducted a nationwide search and chose three candidates to visit the school, meet with stakeholders, and participate in public interviews. An interview panel including members of the school’s certificated staff and classified staff, district administration and Site Council conducted the interviews. The interview team recommended Arnold to Superintendent Bridget Weiss.

“It is an honor to join the team at Thunder Mountain High School,” says Arnold. “It is a place of outstanding teachers, students, and parents. I am also excited to bring my education and work experience to help build on such an excellent foundation.”

Prior to joining the Juneau School District, Arnold was Superintendent of Valdez City Schools and Nome Public Schools, and was Assistant Director in the Office of Instruction for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. During his career, Arnold has promoted excellence in students’ academic, social, personal, and emotional growth with a focus on special education students; at-risk populations; and students of various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. He has created collaborative workplaces, leading peers by example and with ethics and integrity. He has a strong background in academic intervention systems and school improvement plans. Arnold also served 20 years in the United States Armed Forces with the Army and Air Force.

Arnold completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and Harvard Graduate School of Education Superintendent Institute. He has a Superintendent Endorsement and a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Alaska Southeast. His Principal Endorsement is from University of Alaska Anchorage. He has a Master of Education in Secondary Social Studies from Wayland Baptist University, a Master of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Norwich University and Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Arnold will officially start his new position in late July for the new school year.