Mr. Ryan Buffington has stepped into the Fair Grove Elementary Principal position and plans to continue to build on the positive environment for students and teachers. Prior to accepting this position, he worked in various positions throughout the district.
Buffington spent three years as Fair Grove Elementary Assistant Principal. He also coached middle and high school track, high school football, and taught high school physical education.
Throughout his experiences in the district have helped him prepare for his new role as elementary principal, “Being an assistant principal really opened my eyes to how a school runs every day. I learned just how important it is to build solid relationships with students, staff, and parents.”
In his new role, he aspires to make a difference in the school community, “My key focus is boosting teamwork among teachers, parents, and the community, so we’re all on the same page when it comes to helping our students succeed. I also want to invest in professional development for our staff, making sure they have the tools and support they need to give our students the best learning experiences possible.”
Fair Grove High School Principal, Dr. Christian Overstreet, stated Buffington’s strong passion for student achievement will benefit the district as well as his positivity and high energy.
Overstreet added, “Mr. Buffington’s commitment to building strong relationships and fostering a positive culture at Fair Grove Elementary aligns perfectly with our mission of being one school community preparing all students to be success-ready graduates. We are excited to see the impact he will make on our students and the community as a whole.”
Fair Grove Superintendent, Mike Bell, shared that Buffington’s leadership strengths include his deep connection with the Fair Grove community and supportive mindset towards students and teachers.
“His dedication to fostering a positive and thriving learning environment ensures that students feel supported academically, socially, and emotionally. As a true FG Eagle, he understands the values and traditions that make Fair Grove Schools special, allowing him to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families,” Bell explained.
Buffington expressed his gratitude for the mentorship he received from Dr. Charity Hollan. He is committed to continuing on her legacy of leadership for the elementary school.
Buffington concluded, “I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served under Dr. Hollan over the past three years. She is an exceptional individual and has been an inspiration to the entire community. This school will always appreciate her significant contributions. Her presence is greatly missed, and I aspire to make her proud.”
