Eric Alderson is set to take over as the Warrenton High School principal in July.

Warrenton High School Superintendent Gregg Klinginsmith announced in late February that Alderson was named the next principal at Warrenton High School. Alderson will take over for Dr. Brad Ross, who will be the district’s assistant superintendent starting in the 2022-2023 school year. Alderson has served as the Winfield High School principal for the past eight years.

There are multiple reasons why Alderson believes Warrenton High School will be a good fit. Alderson currently lives about 13 miles away from Warrenton. This is a shorter distance than the 40 minutes he lives from Winfield. He also believes Warrenton’s school size is a good fit.

“Winfield has lended me the opportunity to do just about everything as a head principal,” Alderson said. “So I’ve been exposed to curriculum. I’ve been exposed to discipline. I’ve been exposed to the teaching strategies. So I’m hoping that I have more resources at Warrenton and I’ll be able to have a greater focus, have an impact directly into the classroom with my teachers and students.”

Alderson has already taken steps to start the transition and will continue to do so in the time between now and when he takes over as principal in July. He has been in communication with Ross since he accepted the position. Alderson plans to spend a couple hours with current teachers to allow them to ask questions, he said. Alderson is hoping to attend some spring sports events on days he does not have any commitments with Winfield High School.

Alderson has been an education professional for 18 years. He began his professional career working for Worldcom. After he was laid off from his position, he got his second masters degree in teaching. Alderson taught for 10 years total, with two years in the Wright City School District and eight years in the Francis Howell School District. He also was involved in summer school his last three years in the Francis Howell district.

“That afforded me an opportunity to go to Winfield as the head principal,” Alderson said. “I skipped the assistant principal and became the head (principal). I was the fourth principal in four years there. I’ve been blessed to be there for eight years and I believe I’m a better person for being at Winfield.”

Alderson did stress he is focused on the transition but also on finishing strong at Winfield.

“I feel my name is very important and I believe in character and I want to make sure I finish strong at Winfield,” Alderson said. “So I don’t want to be that guy that ‘Oh he just blows it off and he’s got somewhere else to be now.’”

Alderson added he has already been welcomed by individuals in the district and is looking forward to starting at Warrenton this summer.

“I’ve had a lot of people from Warrenton reach out to me that said they’re excited to have me,” Alderson said. “And so I already feel very welcomed. And I appreciate this opportunity that Warrenton’s given me and I hope I will be a good servant to them. I believe that this is going to be a win-win for both me and the district. I’m just really excited.”