McFarland appointed principal at Shelby Middle School after 7 years as assistant principal

SHELBY — Andrew McFarland is ready for the next step in his career.

McFarland was recently chosen to be the principal at Shelby Middle School , replacing Barb Green, who has taken a position with Buckeye Central Local School District.

McFarland had been Shelby's middle school principal since 2017. Since 2021, he also had been the middle school's athletic director.

"It definitely helps, having been in the building and knowing the lay of the land, but with that, there's a lot to learn, too," McFarland said. "There's a big difference in being the assistant."

In his former role, he was used to working more with students. Now, McFarland will work with everyone in the building.

Superintendent Michael Browning said the new principal is up to the challenge.

"Andrew McFarland has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership throughout his tenure at Shelby City Schools," Browning said. "His experience and commitment to our students and community make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to see the positive impact he will continue to have on our middle school."

McFarland graduated from Madison in 2004

A 2004 graduate of Madison Comprehensive High School, McFarland said he hopes Shelby people won't hold that against him, considering the schools square off in the first high school football game of the season.

He graduated from Heidelberg University, where he played baseball, in 2009.

McFarland said he was influenced by his social studies teacher in ninth grade, Derek Boyd, who doubled as Madison's junior varsity baseball coach.

"He was the first person that ever really said I should go into education. He kind of planted that seed as a freshman," McFarland said. "I never wavered."

His career path started as a high school social studies teacher and baseball coach at Plymouth from 2009-2014. He was the athletic director for grades 7-12 at Plymouth from 2014-2017.

"My time at Plymouth was my five years as a teacher. It prepared me for the classroom setting," McFarland said. "Coaching helped me, too. The athletic director's role is behind the scenes.

"I got to do it all."

He said he jumped at the chance to lead what he called an "already established, successful building."

"I really believe that Shelby is one of the best districts in the area, and I really wanted to be a part of that," McFarland said, adding he doesn't see any major changes ahead.

McFarland is married to wife Kaitlyn. They are raising two future Whippets, Ellie, 4, and Graham, 2.

The new middle school assistant principal will be Justin Schroeder, who was the intervention specialist at the high school. He also was the golf coach previously and continued his involvement in extracurricular activities.

"Justin's preparedness, composure and ability to connect with students and families were evident in the interview process. His past experiences and future aspirations align perfectly with the role of assistant principal. I am confident that he and Mr. McFarland will make an excellent team for Shelby Middle School," Browning said.

mcaudill@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: McFarland appointed principal at Shelby Middle School after 7 years as assistant principal