Students and staff at Wright City West Elementary started the school year two weeks ago under the direction of a new leader.Principal Patrick Wallace takes over for previous administrator Dr. Dawn Day, who departed for a position in the Jefferson City School District. Wallace emerged from a pool of 27 candidates who applied in the spring.He was chosen among the six finalists that were interviewed by the 19-person selection panel.“He beat out some veteran principals,” said Superintendent Dr. David Buck.Wallace comes to Wright City from the Parkway School District, where he served for three years as an assistant principal at Mason Ridge Elementary.“He brings a lot of content knowledge and passion as a culture builder,” said Buck. “I think that’s what West Elementary is excited about.”Wallace grew up in the Parkway District and earned his undergraduate degree at Coe College in Iowa, before obtaining his master’s and specialist degree from Lindenwood University.“The thing I really try to show every day is my passion and purpose for this work,” said Wallace. “Growing up I had great male role models who kept me on track, and I got into teaching to be that positive male role model for young people.”He believes in giving every student an equal opportunity to prosper and is hopeful Wright City West Elementary is an environment in which they can thrive.“All of our kids, regardless of socioeconomic background, can be successful,” said Wallace. “It’s our job to help them down that path.”Wallace says he was drawn to Wright City from Parkway by the opportunity to be part of a smaller community where relationships are more easily built.“I started looking at smaller districts, and Wright City really appealed me,” said Wallace. “It sounded like a great place to be, and everybody seems to really enjoy that sense of community.”Wallace says he’s excited about how well the school year has begun and is eager to make an impact on the district.He an his wife, Valerie, reside in St. Paul with their 2-year-old daughter, Aspen Grace.Patrick Wallace