KPBSD Shortlists 4 Top Candidates for Homer High School Principal Role

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District interviewed four candidates for the upcoming vacancy of Homer High School’s principal role. Approximately 60 individuals joined via Zoom, while additional attendees were present in person at the Homer High School library.

In the March 2025 newsletter of Homer High School, Principal Douglas Waclawski declared his intention to retire. He had been serving as the school's principal for fifteen years.

On Wednesday, April 9, Superintendent Clayton Holland conducted interviews for four potential candidates. The interview process involved asking each applicant fourteen questions within a forty-five-minute timeframe. While attendees could observe, they were prohibited from posing queries or engaging directly with the participants. Individuals present at these sessions received an online form alongside links to the contenders' CVs, enabling them to offer their insights about the discussions as part of communal input.

Eric Pederson

Eric Pederson has earned a Master of Education in K-12 educational leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Presently, he serves as the district’s director of Elementary Education, and previously held the position of principal at Paul Banks Elementary School from 2013 to 2021.

Pederson mentioned that he was raised in an environment where teaching was prevalent since both his parents were educators. He also found himself visiting the principal’s office quite often during his school days, which provided him with a distinctive viewpoint on how students interact with principals.

On Wednesday, when asked about his desire to work at Homer High School, he provided a straightforward response.

I aim to make it the top school in the state.

Pederson mentioned that his primary focus is establishing relationships, as these necessitate a "foundation of trust" between faculty and pupils. He believes that disciplinary actions present chances for development.

It offers an opportunity to assist a young adult in making more informed choices.

When questioned about what constitutes significant student engagement from his perspective, Pederson mentioned that he dedicates much of his time in the corridors, engaging with students.

Once more, it revolves around building connections and establishing trust.

During his interview, Pederson emphasized that being a long-time resident of Homer, he maintains numerous connections within the community. His background includes serving as a former elementary school principal and parenting children who are currently enrolled as students.

Henry Burns

Henry Burns currently serves as the principal of Seward High School, having joined the institution in 2021. Prior to his role here, he held positions at schools in North Pole and Tampa, Florida, where he was an assistant principal. Burns obtained a doctoral degree in educational program planning and management from the University of South Florida, along with a Master of Education focused on educational leadership.

He mentioned that he spent his childhood in foster care and was homeless during his final year of high school. These experiences molded him into the educator he is now.

He stated that if offered the position, he would convey to the community during his initial 90 days, "I recognize that Homer stands out, but what value can I add?"

Burns and Pederson both showed enthusiasm for enhancing non-traditional and vocational training programs at Homer High School, aiming to build on the institution’s strong record of academic success.

Burns mentioned that he views himself as a leader focused on students. He was involved with the group that initiated an initiative based on the Icelandic Prevention Model in Seward, which they named Youth 360. Recently, the SKP Resilience Coalition commenced efforts to launch their version of this model’s program in Homer under the title Planet Youth Homer.

Burns stated that although the position of a principal holds significant importance, he views backing up teachers as a major part of his leadership approach.

“The most important person in that building is the teacher in front of those kids. Not me. It’s the teacher in front of those kids.”

Christopher Ruggles

Christopher Ruggles has earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Kansas. Presently, he functions as the assistant principal overseeing activities at both Dimond and South Anchorage High Schools.

Ruggles mentioned that he puts considerable effort into his work and believes others should too. He derives satisfaction from motivating those around him to excel, whether they be his students or members of his team. His approach to leadership emphasizes compassion and empathy.

We're all humans with our own lives," he stated in the interview. "Each of us encounters difficulties that aren't always apparent. In my view, it's crucial to show compassion. We are all navigating life collectively and striving to do our very best.

Regarding discipline, Ruggles emphasized that consequences play a crucial role in how adolescents learn.

He mentioned as well that whenever staff members attend student events and activities, the students take notice.

“It’s crucial when everybody attends these gatherings,” Ruggles stated. “Their presence at such events fosters an atmosphere of unity, like saying ‘We’re all in this together.’”

Katie Bynagle

The present assistant principal at Homer High School is Katie Bynagle. She has earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast and a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University.

Bynagle mentioned that she has spent around two decades in various roles within education. During her tenure at HHS, her primary focus has been student engagement. She brought up a recent read of hers—a book authored by Ruby Payne—which explores the intricacies of the adolescent mind and how young people craft their personal narratives into reality.

When a child feels part of something—has a narrative around inclusion—they also tend to be engaged. Conversely, if they constantly perceive themselves in competitive terms, their experience becomes one of rivalry. On the flip side, feeling excluded leads to detachment from activities and interactions. This principle applies equally to parents. It's crucial not only to make children and parents feel included but actually ensure they truly do belong.

She mentioned that when students sense they belong at school, it can lead to reduced instances of chronic absenteeism. Her aim is for students to feel welcomed and valued at Homer High School.

We're just starting to plan a pancake breakfast on the opening day of school, which will involve the teachers," she explained. "My aim is to create and maintain high energy within our school.

Bynagle also highlighted the Icelandic Prevention Model efforts taking place in Homer. She participated in a meeting held by the SKP Resilience Coalition for Planet Youth Homer on Tuesday afternoon.

Bynagle stated that she has committed resources to the local community and is prepared to take on the role of principal should she be selected.

If I secure this position, you'll have someone with firm ethical principles, clear objectives for transforming the school, and a readiness to collaborate with educators, pupils, and local individuals to turn these visions into reality.

Superintendent Clayton Holland stated that the district plans to contact the candidates over the coming week or so; however, he didn’t specify when they expect to make their final choice.

Contact journalist Chloe Pleznac at chloe.pleznac@homernews.com.