Atlas Elementary announces new principal

A longtime Coeur d'Alene School District educator has been appointed to serve as the new principal of Atlas Elementary starting this fall.

Becky Miller holds an educational specialist degree in educational leadership and has served for 25 years as an educator in numerous schools across the district.

Along with teaching, Miller has coached athletics, directed student leadership groups and served on school and district committees. Throughout her career, Miller has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to students and a team approach to decision-making and school improvement, the district said in a Thursday news release.

"It is such an honor to join the Atlas community," Miller said. "I will work to ensure all students continue to flourish in our school where strong relationships are the foundation for student belonging, engagement and high levels of learning.”

Before accepting the position at Atlas, Miller was the assistant principal of Coeur d'Alene eSchool and most recently served as the assistant principal of Dalton Elementary.

Miller has enjoyed opportunities to learn and grow at Dalton and Coeur d'Alene eSchool. As an administrator, Miller models continual improvement and a growth mindset, the news release states. She maintains high expectations for students and staff while focusing on best practices identified in the district's instructional framework. She has been instrumental in establishing safe, collaborative and supportive school cultures, working to ensure students are prepared to meet the requirements for tomorrow’s careers and life’s endeavors.

As the new principal of Atlas Elementary, Miller will aim to build upon the school's family atmosphere, where every student can thrive. She plans to work closely with teachers, staff, parents and the wider community to develop strategies that enhance student learning and create a supportive network for all stakeholders.

Miller will replace Principal Carrie Shinkle, who has taken a position as the principal of Four Georgians Elementary School in Helena, Mont., where her family resides. Originally from Butte, Mont., Shinkle served as the vice principal of Atlas Elementary from 2017 to 2022, when she took over as principal as former Principal Heather Somers accepted a position with the district as the director of federal programs and assessments.