Irondale principal announcement
A message from the Superintendent
May 27, 2022
Dear Irondale community,
As you know, this morning Carol Kampa announced she will be retiring after an exceptional 36-year career in education. I am very grateful for the leadership she has provided the Irondale High School community, especially during the unprecedented and uncertain times we experienced during the pandemic. Carol is a talented educator and we are fortunate to have benefitted from her knowledge, experience and leadership.
I am pleased to announce, pending School Board action, that associate principal Vichai Saefong (vee-chai say-fong) will succeed Carol as principal of Irondale, effective July 1.
As many of you already know, Vichai is a student-centered leader who has developed positive relationships with students and staff at Irondale. He came to Irondale High School in 2021 from the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale school district, having served as an assistant principal at Tartan High School for three years. He has also served as a dean of students at Community School of Excellence in St. Paul and a behavior specialist and diversion counselor in Saint Paul Public Schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Simpson University in Redding, California, a master’s degree in school counseling and guidance services from Concordia University - Wisconsin and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Concordia University - St. Paul.
Vichai is known as a dedicated educational leader who proactively supports students, parents and staff, and I’m confident we found the best person with a clear vision for the future. I know he is excited to begin his work and will continue to advance the achievement for all students at Irondale.
Please join me this spring as we thank Carol for her service and welcome Vichai to his new role in the Irondale community.
Sincerely,
Chris Lennox
Superintendent