Lakeland High School principal since 2000 to retire

RATHDRUM — Test scores may be important, but Conrad Underdahl has never lost track of how relationships prepare students for life.

Underdahl, Lakeland High's principal since 2000, plans to retire in June. He has worked for 40 years in public education.

"Relationships are very important to me," Underdahl said. "While at Lakeland, I have had the good fortune of developing relations that will last a lifetime."

Underdahl said one girl came to Lakeland as her 23rd school.

"When she first came to Lakeland she really didn't want to connect, but over time she really became part of our Lakeland family," he said. "She excelled in our music program and eventually competed and placed relativity high on ‘American Idol.’

"I know I'm stealing this line from some athlete, but I have the greatest job in the world. I get paid for doing something I love."

Lisa Sexton, the Lakeland Joint School District's assistant superintendent, said Underdahl has been a hard-working, dedicated employee with a heart for helping students reach their potential.

"He learned that there are no 8 to 5 days," Sexton said. "It’s not often that you attend a Lakeland High School evening event and not see Mr. Underdahl supporting his students and celebrating their successes.

"During his tenure as an educator, he has positively impacted the lives of thousands of high school students. He maintains contact with many students after they leave Lakeland High School and celebrates milestones in their lives with them."

Underdahl, 58, said he is retiring because "it's time."

"I look forward to pursuing new challenges and opportunities that may come my way," he said.

Underdahl's first education job was driving a school bus to help pay his way through college. He said his supervisor felt it was prudent for him to wait at least a semester after high school graduation before beginning to transport former classmates to and from school.

He was raised on a farm in Moscow, so after teaching for five years in Sherwood, Ore., Underdahl and his wife returned to the area. Underdahl taught at Troy High School for 10 years, and he was the athletic director for a year and principal for five years before coming to Lakeland.

Underdahl was named Teacher of the Year in both the high schools he taught. His agriculture programs in both Oregon and Idaho were awarded the states’ Superior Program status.

In 2013, Underdahl was named Idaho’s National Distinguished High School Principal for his leadership and student achievement.

Underdahl plans to stay connected to education in retirement. He currently serves as a principal for Idaho Digital Learning Academy and will continue to do so.

He is also looking forward to hunting and fishing and helping run the family farm.

"The relationships with kids and staff are what I will miss the most," he said.