Kraske new HHS principal starting next school year

A familiar face will be taking the helm at Havre High School starting in July.

Havre Superintendent Craig Mueller announced this morning that Havre Middle School Principal Dustin Kraske will start as the Havre High principal effective in the next school year.

"Mr. Kraske is a leader who has dedicated his professional career to the students, parents, and community of Havre," Mueller said in the release. "Mr. Kraske has shown, as the Principal of Havre Middle School, the ability to form positive relationships with stakeholders, and to work with staff to find solutions to issues with a student-centered mindset. "

Kraske had not returned a call asking for comment by print deadline this morning.

Kraske has a long history at the middle school, serving as assistant principal before taking the lead job there.

He also has a storied career as head coach of the Havre High School girl's basketball team, where he has coached multiple state champion teams and is taking his team back to the state tournament in two weeks.

Kraske will take over for interim Principal Tom Vail, who was hired for that position in January.

Principal Ed Norman resigned in December, following being suspended after a controversy in October.

Residents protested that the high school, including Norman, poorly handled a student wearing a costume they said was racially offensive the Friday before Halloween.