‘Leaving a place I love to do what I love’

After 21 years, Brad Baker has resigned from his role as Creston Community School Middle School principal. He will finish his contract with CCSD, which ends June 30.

Starting July 1, Baker will join Chariton Community School District as its superintendent.

Baker was hired by Creston in 2001 as its Pre-K to 2nd grade elementary principal. During his tenure, he was promoted to PK-3 principal and PK-5 principal. As a mandated reporter, Baker has also served as a level 1 investigator for the duration of his time at CCSD, and as Title 1 Coordinator for 13 years when he was elementary principal. Prior to Creston, he was at East Union for 10 years, where he was baseball coach and taught for nine years.

In Creston, Baker said he most enjoyed watching kids grow as they progress from the first time they enter the kindergarten doors to crossing the stage at their high school graduation.

“Those are always two big days I enjoy; getting down to the kindergarten building still on the first day, going to their graduation on the last and being part of their life for the last 13 years,” Baker said. “I will miss working with all the students and their parents to try to give them an enjoyable experience in our school as well as the wonderful administrators and staff members I’ve worked with over the years.”

Baker said he will move to Chariton to become ingrained in their community.

“I can serve, not only the school, but the community in general,” he said.

As for the rest of the Baker family, his wife Becky, a music and vocal teacher for Creston Elementary will continue living and teaching in Creston.

“She has her dream job as an elementary music teacher,” Baker said. “She’s followed me around for 20 years.”

Baker said each position he’s held – from teaching to middle school principal – has been his dream job. Now he has an opportunity to step in to a role that has been a long-time career goal of his.

“Now I get to fulfill my goal of what I’ve wanted to do at the end of my career,” he said. “[Becky] is where she’s at ... she’s not too far off from retirement.”

With twins Braelyn and Brance attending Southwestern Community College, the Bakers will reevaluate what their residency once their youngest children transfer to university. As for now, the Bakers will travel back-and-forth spending time with each other in their two communities.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming back home and giving back to the community, serving the students and people in Creston,” said Baker. “It’s kind of bittersweet. I’m leaving a place I love for something I’ve wanted to do. So I’m leaving a place I love to do what I love.”