Principal's Message

Dear Cassingham Community: 

My name is David Schottner and I am proud to serve as the principal of the Cassingham Elementary Cubs!  I returned to Cassingham in 2024 after having taught third and fifth grade and serving as the teacher leader at Cassingham Elementary from 2014-2020. I used to think that teaching was the most fun I would ever have, until I became a principal! Being a school leader is an honor and privilege that makes every day unique and fun.  From 2020-2024, I proudly served as principal at French Run Elementary in Reynoldsburg City Schools.  Since my return to Cassingham, I have learned so much, particularly about the MTSS (Multiple Tiered Systems of Support) and PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) frameworks. I know Cassingham Elementary and Bexley City Schools have worked hard to build MTSS and PBIS systems to support the whole child, and I am excited to continue this work. 

I am motivated to champion the future with Bexley City Schools. In my five years as a principal, I have demonstrated that I learn with curiosity, demonstrate kindness, and embrace equity. I view equity as giving everyone what they need to succeed. This includes not only students, but staff as well. As principal, it’s my job to take care of everyone in the Cassingham community. Specifically, it’s my mission to support the adults so they can provide the best education possible for students. I like to promote equity by making it an everyday conversation. When students complain that something isn’t fair, I respond that fair doesn’t mean equal. It means giving everyone what they need to be their best. I’ve had similar conversations with family members and educators. My efforts will go towards providing what everyone needs to grow. It shouldn’t and won’t look the same for everyone. 

I learn the most from others’ ideas.  Hopefully, my staff will tell you that I empower them to run with their ideas, and I am also happy to lead the way or partner with others. My favorite word is “yes”, and if a member of the Cassingham community proposes a new idea, it’s pretty likely that we are going to try it and see if it works! If it is successful, then we continue to refine and improve the idea each time we try it. If it doesn’t work, then we learn from our mistakes. Either way, we learn and grow together! I look forward to growing together so that all Cassingham Cubs feel safe, welcome, and included! 

Respectfully, 

David Schottner, Proud Principal of the Cassingham Cubs