Bryan Kelly, has been selected as Lake City High School’s principal for the 2025-26 school year. Mr. Kelly, who currently serves as assistant principal, will take the reins from Deanne Clifford, who will retire in July after serving as Lake City’s principal for 15 years. District leadership will present this recommendation to the Board of Trustees for consideration and approval at their regular meeting in February.
Mr. Kelly, a 1995
Lake City High School graduate himself, has served as Lake City’s assistant principal since 2016. Prior to his current leadership role he taught social studies and served as chair of the Social Studies Department at Lake City. He also served as principal of eSchool CDA for two years (2020-21 and 2021-22). He then returned to Lake City when that school was relocated to Venture Academy.
In addition to his responsibilities as assistant principal, Mr. Kelly also serves in leadership roles on numerous community, District 271, and state committees to improve teaching and learning across
the state. He works with teams at the state level to provide high-quality leadership training for administrators, especially at the high school level. He is passionate about school safety and student wellness and works hard at all levels to ensure students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Mr. Kelly was selected as the 2024 State of Idaho Assistant Principal of the Year by the Idaho Association of School Administrators Board of Directors based on his strong leadership qualities and exceptional ability to help create a learning environment that empowers students to be active participants in their educations and encourages a school culture that focuses on student well-being and safety.
“Our district is committed to providing the very best education possible for every one of our students,” said Dr. Shon Hocker, district superintendent. “Under Deanne Clifford’s exceptional leadership, Lake City High School staff have done just that. On behalf of our entire district, we thank Deanne for her dedication and commitment to each and every Lake City student that has passed through the halls over the last 15 years. And we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!”
“Mr. Kelly brings a wealth of experience, a strong vision for Lake City High School, and a deep commitment to supporting students, families, and staff,” said Dr. Shon Hocker, “His leadership as
principal will help ensure our students, staff, and LCHS community continue to grow and thrive as they have done for years.”
Deanne Clifford, recognized the dedication and selflessness Mr. Kelly brings to LCHS every day, “Mr. Kelly is very deserving of this position. He is one of those rare leaders who inspires students and adults to meet their full potential. He makes every decision based on his core value to do what is in the best interest of students.”