From left, are Keller, Finn, Mandy, and Dave Bailey. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ administration has selected Dave Bailey as the principal of Gateway Educational Center.

He was approved by WCS’s Board of Trustees during a Feb. 7 work session.

Bailey has always considered Warsaw home. He graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1996 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Butler University; his educational administration degree from Ball State University; and is currently pursuing his educational specialist degree from Indiana State University.

Bailey has been with WCS all of his career, and he has had a wealth of experiences, both as an educator and administrator. For the past year and a half, Bailey has been a WCHS assistant principal. Prior to that, he was a Step One teacher for four years, a special education teacher for one year and a social studies teacher for 15 years.

Bailey’s wife, Mandy, also works for WCS as an at-risk counselor. Together they have two sons who both attend WCHS: Keller, a senior; and Finn, a sophomore.

“Dave is a longtime servant-leader not only within our school system, but also for our entire community,” said Jeff Grose, WCHS social studies teacher. “Over the years, I have constantly seen him in numerous situations serving, leading, and improving the quality of life for so many others.”

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with the staff at Gateway Educational Center,” said Bailey. “I know that the work can be difficult, but the rewards are worth the effort. I am humbled with the opportunity, and I am excited to get started soon. I have been with WCS for 22 years and over that time I have admired the work done at GEC. They are making a difference at all stages of a student’s life. They are wrapping around students in need and celebrating students’ successes. Thank you, Mr. (Steve) Ferber, for your leadership and dedication to the success of the program.

Ferber will be retiring from the Gateway position at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

“This spring, Mr. Ferber and Mr. Bailey will be working together to ensure a smooth transition of these critical programs,” reads a press release from WCS.

“We are thrilled to recommend Dave as the next director of the Gateway Educational Center,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “Mr. Bailey is a graduate and lifelong member of the Warsaw Community Schools family. He has been a phenomenal teacher, coach, administrator and most importantly a mentor/role model within our school community. His past responsibilities will assist with the many roles including alternative and adult education.”

With this move, an interim WCHS assistant principal will be named. Later this spring, the search committee will focus on filling the open assistant principal position.