The district has selected Amy McAnarney as Free State High School’s new head principal, after a month-long search. McAnarney’s contract is effective July 1. She is the first female head principal of the school.

Current principal Myron Graber announced his retirement in February, after seven years at the helm. 

McAnarney was an assistant and associate principal for eight years in Emporia, and a year-long principal in Gardner. In 2019, she was appointed associate principal of Free State after serving as an assistant principal for four years. 

“During my seven years at Free State, I have come to care deeply for our school community, and I am honored to serve as the next principal,” McAnarney said. 

McAnarney earned her Master’s degree at Emporia State University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree at Fort Hays State University.

“[Amy] has been instrumental in the school community’s planning around redesign and will continue to lead that process,” Superintendent Anthony Lewis said.