Climax-Scotts Community Schools announced the appointment of Dr. Will McClain as the next Principal of Climax-Scotts Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.
The vacancy was created when current Elementary School Principal Teri Peters announced earlier she was retiring at the end of the current school year.
According to a June 11 release, McClain joins Climax-Scotts with more than two decades of experience in public education and over ten years of school leadership experience serving students, families, and staff across Virginia. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a collaborative leader who prioritizes strong school culture, instructional excellence, and meaningful relationships.
Most recently, McClain served as Assistant Principal and Student Activities Director at Deep Creek Middle School in Chesterfield County Public Schools, where he was part of the founding leadership team responsible for opening a new middle school serving approximately 1,400 students.
His previous leadership experience includes roles as Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, and Interim Principal in multiple school settings, as well as serving on the leadership team of a fully synchronous K-8 virtual school.
In addition to his school leadership experience, McClain taught and supervised future educators through partnerships with the University of Virginia, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and EducateVA.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. McClain to the Climax-Scotts family,” said Superintendent Mr. Doug Newington.
“Throughout the interview process, it was evident that he is a relationship-focused leader who understands the importance of community, values the work of educators, and is committed to ensuring every child feels known, supported, and challenged. His leadership philosophy aligns wonderfully with the culture we have built at Climax-Scotts.”
Originally from Virginia, Dr. McClain, his wife Suzanne, and their daughter Alice will be relocating to the Kalamazoo area this summer. Suzanne will join the faculty at Western Michigan University as a member of the Special Education Department.
McClain shared that he was drawn to Climax-Scotts because of its strong sense of community and the pride residents have in their schools.
“When I first drove into the Climax-Scotts community, I felt a familiarity that was hard to ignore,” said McClain. “It showed in the way people spoke about the schools, not just as buildings, but as a point of pride. It showed in the consistency of relationships, the sense that people show up for one another, and the quiet expectation that you contribute to something larger than yourself.”
He also expressed deep appreciation for retiring Elementary Principal Mrs. Teri Peters and the foundation she has established during her years of leadership.
“The pride Mrs. Peters holds for Climax-Scotts Elementary is clear,” McClain said. “It is both humbling and motivating to step into a role shaped by that level of care and dedication.”
As he begins his transition into the district, McClain’s focus will be on listening, learning, and building relationships with students, staff, and families.
“My first priority will be to listen and learn from this community,” he said.
“I am here to join Climax-Scotts as a protector of the legacy already built and to help carry its values forward with consistency and care.”
The vacancy was created when current Elementary School Principal Teri Peters announced earlier she was retiring at the end of the current school year.
According to a June 11 release, McClain joins Climax-Scotts with more than two decades of experience in public education and over ten years of school leadership experience serving students, families, and staff across Virginia. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a collaborative leader who prioritizes strong school culture, instructional excellence, and meaningful relationships.
Most recently, McClain served as Assistant Principal and Student Activities Director at Deep Creek Middle School in Chesterfield County Public Schools, where he was part of the founding leadership team responsible for opening a new middle school serving approximately 1,400 students.
His previous leadership experience includes roles as Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, and Interim Principal in multiple school settings, as well as serving on the leadership team of a fully synchronous K-8 virtual school.
In addition to his school leadership experience, McClain taught and supervised future educators through partnerships with the University of Virginia, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and EducateVA.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. McClain to the Climax-Scotts family,” said Superintendent Mr. Doug Newington.
“Throughout the interview process, it was evident that he is a relationship-focused leader who understands the importance of community, values the work of educators, and is committed to ensuring every child feels known, supported, and challenged. His leadership philosophy aligns wonderfully with the culture we have built at Climax-Scotts.”
Originally from Virginia, Dr. McClain, his wife Suzanne, and their daughter Alice will be relocating to the Kalamazoo area this summer. Suzanne will join the faculty at Western Michigan University as a member of the Special Education Department.
McClain shared that he was drawn to Climax-Scotts because of its strong sense of community and the pride residents have in their schools.
“When I first drove into the Climax-Scotts community, I felt a familiarity that was hard to ignore,” said McClain. “It showed in the way people spoke about the schools, not just as buildings, but as a point of pride. It showed in the consistency of relationships, the sense that people show up for one another, and the quiet expectation that you contribute to something larger than yourself.”
He also expressed deep appreciation for retiring Elementary Principal Mrs. Teri Peters and the foundation she has established during her years of leadership.
“The pride Mrs. Peters holds for Climax-Scotts Elementary is clear,” McClain said. “It is both humbling and motivating to step into a role shaped by that level of care and dedication.”
As he begins his transition into the district, McClain’s focus will be on listening, learning, and building relationships with students, staff, and families.
“My first priority will be to listen and learn from this community,” he said.
“I am here to join Climax-Scotts as a protector of the legacy already built and to help carry its values forward with consistency and care.”
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