Barrett to continue as CHS principal

COEUR d’ALENE — Libbi Barrett will continue as principal of Coeur d’Alene High School following this year’s interim appointment. A Coeur d'Alene School District search committee this week recommended Barrett for the position on a permanent basis.

“Mrs. Barrett is a tested and proven instructional leader and has demonstrated a commitment to the educational journey for each and every student at CHS in her time there,” said Superintendent Steven Cook. "We are proud to name her as the principal of Coeur d’Alene High."

Four applicants were interviewed for the position earlier this week. Barrett “rose to the top with her passion for the well-being of each and every student, ensuring they are learning and growing every day," said Trina Caudle, assistant superintendent for secondary education and curriculum.

Barrett said the interim principal position has afforded her the time "to revisit and re-examine my core beliefs as an educator, learner and leader, and made applying for the principal position a very intentional action on my part."

"I wish to lead and be a part of an institution that puts the well-being of students, learning and teaching first," she said. "I wish to be a part of a talented group of individuals that make a difference in the lives of all students and families.”

Barrett has served as interim principal for just over eight months. Prior to this year, she was assistant principal for four years. She previously served as an elementary school principal and a high school principal.

She grew up in Moscow and has invested 26 years in the field of education. After earning degrees from the University of Idaho, she served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and building principal at Twin Lakes Elementary in the Lakeland School District and at Priest River Lamanna High School.