Dr. Kevin Grawer, who will assume duties as Principal at Fort Zumwalt South High School on July 1, brings a long list of varied experiences to the role. Grawer has spent the past 14 years as Principal at Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School, which he guided to national recognition by several organizations. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named the school a 2012 National Model High School and a 2014 Met Life National Breakthrough High School. The National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) awarded MRH HS its top honor as a “Gold Level National Urban School of Excellence” calling it the “best urban high school in the nation” in 2015.
A former AP Spanish teacher and varsity basketball coach, Grawer has worked in eight different schools in three different countries. He strives to create an academic culture built on positive relationships and has taken many lessons from the teachings of Hall-of-Fame basketball coach John Wooden and the philosophy of growth mindset.
“It’s important to love your students and coworkers—meaning you have a ‘genuine concern for their well-being and have their best interest at heart,’” Grawer says. He looks forward to bringing his 27 years in a variety of educational roles to the Principal's office at South High.
“I will focus on building trust, setting a clear vision for our building and deepening my understanding of the school and greater community,” Grawer says. “I can't wait to spend time with the kids and staff and get to know them and hear their stories! I am eager to connect personally and globally with all members of the community.”
Outside of school, he loves working out, reading for pleasure, watching sports and visiting new places and people. “I am always interested in learning about history and other cultures. I am fascinated by historical nonfiction.” He also enjoys all kinds of music, but says he prefers Latin and various hip hop/ R and B and trap artists. “I play music all day in my head,” he says.
Grawer replaces Dr. Kevin Keltner as Principal at South, under whose leadership the high school has been recognized Among America’s Best by US News and World Report since 2015. Grawer assumes the role July 1.