By Drake Bachmeier, New Principal of St. Mary Elementary
Can you give us a short glimpse of your background in education?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from the University of South Dakota, a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education University of South Dakota, a Minor in Coaching University of South Dakota, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Sioux Falls.
I started teaching at Lincoln High School in 2014 as a special education teacher in the self-contained classroom, which is a learning environment where students spend most of their day. In 2019, my wife and I moved to Miller, SD where I was a special education teacher and elementary principal. After two and a half years in Miller, my family and I moved back to Sioux Falls where I was a sixth-grade math teacher at Edison Middle School. I loved Edison, but missed being at the high school. After one year at Edison, I moved back to Lincoln High School and was an algebra and chemistry teacher for two years. I coached football, wrestling, track, golf, and was the unified basketball coach at Lincoln High School.
How did you hear about the principal opening at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools?
My two oldest boys were in preschool at St. Lambert Elementary and their former principal told me that St. Mary Elementary had a principal position open.
What attracted you to the role of principal or an elementary principal in general?
I am always looking at ways to grow in my education and spiritual life. I knew that the role of a principal would push me further as an educator.
How has your transition been from a public-school system to a private school system?
The transition has been really smooth. One of the hardest parts is to understand that we are a system and not a district. I use the word district all the time and slowly learn that we are a system. Here at St. Mary Elementary we get to talk and learn about Jesus and this has been such a blessing. I never had that opportunity at my previous schools.
What makes your current school special?
St. Mary Elementary is a generational school. There are parents and grandparents that attended the school and now their young ones attend. The parish and the families love St. Mary Elementary, and they truly want what is best for their school.
How is your job rewarding?
I get waved at by 363 students every day when I walk through my school. I think I am a celebrity to the three-year-old preschool students!
What were you most looking forward to in your first year in your new role and what are you looking forward to for next year?
I was looking forward to meeting all of the teachers and families. I have always known about St. Mary Elementary and how great of a school it is and I wanted to get to know the people that make this such a great place! Next year, I am looking forward to keeping the vision of a Christ-centered community with a world class education for everyone.
What has been your favorite memory so far of your first year?
St. Mary Elementary has a Fall Festival every year and this year was my first. Seeing all of the community raising money for our school was something very special.
Final thoughts or anything you’d like to share?
The people of St. Mary Elementary and Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools have been so welcoming to my family and me. This has been a great year so far, and I can't wait to be a part of the system for many years to come!