NEWS :: Red Cloud Indian School

Former Rapid City Catholic school system board president named next principal of Red Cloud High School
posted on May 13, 2010

James Mattern, a former president of the board of education for the Rapid City Catholic school system, has been named the next principal of Red Cloud High School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Mattern will take over for Nick Dressel, who announced this spring that he has accepted a new position as principal at Chadron Middle School in Nebraska.

“We are thrilled to have selected Mattern from an outstanding pool of candidates,” says Robert Brave Heart Sr., superintendent of schools. “The principal search committee and I are confident that James has the experience and passion for education that will allow him to provide strong leadership to the Red Cloud community—both in the high school and beyond.”

Mattern is no stranger to education in the Black Hills region, nor to working with Native peoples. A graduate of the Aberdeen Roncalli Catholic school system, he earned a bachelor of science degree in education and social science, and a master of science degree in school administration, both from Northern State University. After his graduate studies, he spent five years at Roncalli High School, two years as a teacher and athletic coach and three years as principal.

He has also realized a successful career in business, most recently at Black Hills Corporation as a senior vice president of corporate administration. Last year, Mattern left the corporate sector to return to education, substitute teaching at North Middle School in Rapid City.

A strong proponent for Catholic education in the Black Hills, Mattern has spent eight years on the board of education for the Rapid City Catholic school system, four of them as board president.

“James’ unique blend of educational leadership and business experience made him an excellent candidate for our new high school principal,” says Brave Heart. “He understands the supportive, nurturing and hope-filled experience we offer to our students in Lakota and Catholic traditions, and is ready to work together with our teachers to help our students realize their hopes and dreams for the future.”

Mattern comes to Red Cloud High School at a time of exciting change for the 120-year institution. This month, Fr. George Winzenburg SJ was named the new president of Red Cloud, taking over for Fr. Peter Klink SJ, who leaves the institution on sabbatical after 12 years as president.

Mattern will begin his new position on August 2.

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