Cruger returns to alma mater to start administration career

Medical Lake Middle School students and parents may notice a new face in the hallways and at the main office.

Tim Cruger joined the Medical Lake School District as the middle school's new assistant principal.

Cruger grew up in the Hillyard area of Spokane before moving to Medical Lake where he attended junior high and high school. He said he has a lot of family in the area and Medical Lake is "near and dear" to his heart.

"I'm excited to start my administrative career in my old stomping grounds," Cruger said.

After receiving his bachelors degree from Eastern Washington University, Cruger took a teaching position at Lakeside High School, where he spent 16 years teaching math and health, as well as coaching wrestling, football and track. He also started several student organizations, such as a robotics club and a community services club.

"We helped at the animal shelter, we also went to City Gate and did some roadside clean up," Cruger said. "I also helped start a mentoring club where high school students would mentor incoming freshmen. It was tough for me to leave Lakeside."

Cruger, who earned a masters degree from Whitworth University in 2013, decided it was an appropriate time to move into administration after he and his wife had their first child.

"Being in administration allows me a little freedom in my schedule, in case I have to leave for something like a doctor's appointment," Cruger said. "When this position opened, I felt led to it. I heard rave reviews about the district and staff. Superintendent Tim Ames was very personable when I interviewed with him."

Cruger added that Medical Lake is a melting pot, made up of people from different corners of the world, partially due to the close proximity of Fairchild Air Force Base and military families living in the area.

Now that he is on the job, Cruger said he is excited to help continue the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program at the middle school. The district introduced PBIS last year and the middle school created a student-led group. Cruger is also working on learning the students' names, helping shape the culture on campus and getting to know the community. He is also taking on the role of a student, learning under principal Sylvia Campbell.

"The first couple of years are a steep learning curve, I'm going to be in a position to be a student and under folks who are good at their trade," Cruger said. "I want to honor what's been done here so far, learn what has been done. I've come here to offer what I can to make this a better place."

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.