Garfield Re-2 School District has selected longtime Coal Ridge High School educator and assistant principal Michael Mikalakis as the school’s next principal, effective July 1, 2026, pending Board of Education approval, according to a Garfield Re-2 School District news release.

Mikalakis will succeed principal Jackie Davis, who is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. He will become just the fifth principal in Coal Ridge High School’s history.

Mikalakis brings nearly two decades of experience in Garfield Re-2 to the role. He began his career as a special education paraprofessional and fourth-grade teacher at Kathryn Senor Elementary before moving to Coal Ridge High School as an English language arts teacher. Since 2017, he has served as assistant principal, where he has led instructional coaching, staff evaluations and professional learning communities focused on improving classroom practice.

“I felt like it was the right thing to do to serve the staff, students and community at this time,” Mikalakis said in the release. “I’ve been part of Garfield Re-2 and Coal Ridge High School for a long time. I wanted to make sure we continue the positive work that’s been happening and build on it.”

As principal, Mikalakis said he plans to build on Coal Ridge’s foundation while expanding opportunities for students and strengthening ties with the community.

“My number one goal is to continue the academic excellence we have by supporting our teachers and helping them be their best in the classroom,” he said in the release. “At the same time, we need to do a better job of opening our doors, helping our community see what’s happening inside our school and the opportunities our students have.”

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He also said he wants to continue growing career-connected learning opportunities, including expanded career and technical education pathways and stronger partnerships that prepare students for both college and the workforce.

Mikalakis said his path to school leadership reflects his long-standing commitment to the district and community.

“I didn’t expect this journey when I started,” he said in the release. “But I truly believe this is the right step for this time and for this community.”

Garfield Re-2 Superintendent Kirk Banghart said Mikalakis’ experience and connection to the school community made him a strong choice for the position.

“Mik(alakis) understands Coal Ridge High School at its core: its people, its traditions and its potential,” Banghart said in the release. “His commitment to students, his focus on strong instruction, and his belief in continuous growth will serve the Coal Ridge community well. We are excited for the future under his leadership.”