Taylor Schmidt began his teaching career 20 years ago as Band Director at Springfield Middle School.
It was a position that he held at the Oakbank school for six years before he returned to his hometown as he was hired for the same position at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS). With a passion for music, Schmidt taught hundreds of musicians over the years, all of which had amazing things to say about Taylor.
Taylor would go on to hold the band director position at the DRCSS for nine years before he was offered the vice-principal job at the DRCSS and after talking to his family, Taylor accepted the role. At the time, Norm Casavant was principal.
"The staff here are outstanding and we have a great student body here," said Schmidt. "It has also been great working with families and caregivers over the years, the DRCSS is a great place to be."
Now that students are preparing to return to Dauphin's lone high school for the 2023-24 academic year, there will be a new principal when they do. After a decade at the school, Casavant has since retired and in comes Schmidt. 20 years after he began teaching, Taylor has been named principle at the DRCSS. He has begun his role and he is very excited to welcome kids back to school in less than week.
"I had the opportunity to work with Norm for four years and I learned a lot from him, he really guided me and helped me," said Schmidt. "I feel like this is a good step for me, I believe that I am ready to take it on."
On top of his duties as principal, Taylor will continue to teach music ahead of school. He is also very pleased with the direction that the school is heading.
"This will be another school year that we start with no COVID restrictions," ended Schmidt. "Our building is also starting to come together and get back up and running."
The high school also understands that the return to school can be a stresser for many families with the cost of school supplies. If you or a family you know are struggling, give the school a call as they may be able to provide assistance.