After more than four decades in public education —including the last eight years as principal of Rockbridge County High School — Mike Craft is preparing for a “well-deserved” retirement.
Craft began teaching in 1982 at Parry Mc-Cluer High School, where he taught industrial arts and coached football, wrestling, and track. Over the years, he held a variety of roles across Buena Vista and Rockbridge schools: director of Career and Technical Education, assistant high school principal, and middle school principal.
At RCHS, Craft said his proudest accomplishments haven’t come from single milestones but from the relationships built over time.
“Educators accomplish positive outcomes a little at a time,” Craft said. “It’s not like a one-time event, but helping students by modeling positive attributes, reinforcing positive attitudes, and providing support when students need help.”
Navigating the school through the COVID-19 pandemic was among the greatest challenges of his tenure.
“[One difficulty was] adapting to the educational constraints we faced because of Covid and the challenges of establishing a new normal in how we educate our students afterwards,” he said.
Craft also cited combating misinformation as a recurring problem. “With social media, falsehoods very quickly become truths to some people… [But] I have said it for years, and I will continue to say it — RCHS has great students and staff, and there is no place I would rather be.”
Craft’s focus on, and pride in, the people around him, was a consistent theme not just in his comments about his career, but in his time as principal. He credits them directly for his success. “They have changed me for the better,” he said. “The students, staff, and administration in Rockbridge County Schools are top notch. They have supported me throughout my journey and made me proud to be part of RCPS.”
Dr. Phillip Thompson, superintendent of Rockbridge County Public Schools, offered a tribute to Craft’s leadership at the April School Board meeting.
“Leading a high school is no easy task, but over the past eight years, Mike has done so with integrity, vision, and a deep dedication to students and staff,” said Thompson.
“Under his leadership, RCHS has continued its proud tradition of academic excellence and innovation in career and technical education.
“He navigated the school community through unprecedented and challenging times of the global pandemic, and alongside his team implemented a detailed and thoughtful plan to maintain operations during the renovation of the Rockbridge Innovation Center.
“Thanks to Dr. Craft’s leadership, both Rockbridge County High School and our broader school division have grown stronger, and we are better because of his service.
“After nearly 43 years of serving thousands of students, Dr. Craft has certainly earned a well-deserved retirement, though he will also be deeply missed. Congratulations, Mike. Thank you for everything.”
As he steps down, Craft is looking forward to a new chapter centered on family and rest.
“Being a high school administrator is a demanding job in regards to time and stress,” he said. “[I’m looking forward to] having some time to do things while I am still able to do them. Spending more time with my family, especially my granddaughter; traveling; and relaxing are at the top of my list.”
