OUR EYE ON EDUCATION – USD 418 PRINCIPAL CARA SCHRAG

By Staff

(Cara Schrag - Principal at Roosevelt Elementary, USD 418)

     Trust is important for Cara Schrag as she begins year number four serving as Principal of McPherson USD 418’s Roosevelt Elementary School.

     “I am a wife and mother of four,” explained Schrag. “Being a parent has strengthened both my perspective and compassion as a school leader. I understand what it means for families to place their children in our care each day and will never take that trust lightly.”

     What type of experience does Schrag have - six school years within USD 418 while also having had experience working in education at Nickerson USD 309 and Hutchinson USD 308.

     As the building principal at Roosevelt, Schrag made it clear that her responsibilities cover nearly every aspect of the daily operations, including instructional leadership, student achievement, staff development and support, student behavior and safety, family communication, staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and building operations.

     She also pointed out that, “There is a significant part of her work that is used to develop systems that allow teachers to teach effectively while students learn in a continuing safe and supportive environment. I also work closely with district administrators, special education staff, families and community partners to make sure the needs of our students and staff are always being met.”

     Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Schrag earned her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University before completing her master’s degree through Fort Hays State University. Through Wichita State University, she gained her District Leadership License.

     She has lived in the greater McPherson community area for the past dozen years, where she worked as an elementary teacher in Windom for USD 444 and Washington Elementary for USD 418 before moving into an administrative role in education.

While her seven years in school administration have strengthened her belief that effective leadership begins with relationships, consistency, and a willingness to do what is best for the children, the influence from principals she worked under remains with her daily.

“The experience I had in Windom as well as at Washington Elementary continues to influence the way I lead,” said Schrag. “It is because I remember the joy and challenges of the job, and the striving I have to be the leaders I admired during those times, as both Jon Paden and Jill Beam were great role models at what it means to be a supportive and caring leader.”

Referencing her favorite things and/or events she deals with as a school principal, Schrag easily noted the favorite would be spending time with students and staff. She genuinely loves watching the way in which teachers work at bringing learning to life and then seeing the students experience success. Elementary school should be a place filled with joy, meaningful traditions, and memories that children will carry with them long after they leave Roosevelt. She added that she enjoys helping staff members recognize their strengths and grow as leaders.

“Celebrating the hard work of our staff whether through everyday accomplishments, special events, or larger recognitions, will always be one of the best parts of my position as principal.”

As with any job, being principal will have its frustrations and difficult moments for which Schrag sat back for a moment before pointing out, “The hardest part of my job is not having enough time to be everywhere I want to be. There are so many wonderful things happening throughout our building each day, and I want so badly to experience, support, and celebrate them all. Unfortunately, being one principal supporting approximately 65 staff members can make finding that time very challenging. The students and staff throughout Roosevelt and USD 418 deserve to be recognized and celebrated daily for the hard work they do for our children of McPherson. I never want their efforts or accomplishments to go unnoticed.”

Has there been any accomplishments Schrag is willing to talk about from her first three years at Roosevelt?

Yes she will as she is especially proud of the systems our Roosevelt team has developed to support student behavior, safety, and learning. Schrag also talked about how proud she was of the growth of the staff regarding leadership and collaboration as they have strengthened their Professional Learning Communities, created opportunities for teachers to learn from one another, and developed more consistent systems for using data to guide instruction.

     “I am most pleased with the culture at Roosevelt. Our staff members genuinely care about children and one another. They work hard, solve problems together and continue showing up for students even when the work becomes difficult. Any accomplishment associated with my leadership has truly been a reflection of the staff I get to work with on a daily basis at Roosevelt.”

     Among those things which she still hopes to accomplish, Schrag still wants to continue building sustainable academic and behavioral systems that support students before their needs become a crisis. This will include strengthening early intervention, expanding instructional coaching, improving collaboration, and providing the staff with practical, available tools for which they can use every day.

     Wanting to continue creating opportunities for our veteran teachers to share the knowledge, experience, and effective practices they use to build strong learning environment is another item on the Schrag agenda because this leadership can provide valuable support and encouragement to teachers who are new to the profession.

     “When experienced educators share what they do well, our newer teachers are more likely to grow in confidence, find success, and remain in the profession, and that is what strengthens our entire school and district while also creating better learning experiences for our students.”

     Schrag shared with us her goal to protect the traditions and relationships that have always made elementary schools special while continuing to improve our instructional practices by making the theme of the 2026/27 school year ‘Back to the Basics – Making Elementary Memorable’!!

     “When we get the basics right such as strong relationships, clear expectations, effective teaching, and consistent support – the entire district will benefit.”

     Cara Schrag genuinely loves the students and staff at Roosevelt Elementary, and if someone is spending time in the building whether at a student, staff member, family member, or visitor and she wants that experience to be positive, memorable, welcoming, and exciting. It is my hope that everyone who leaves Roosevelt Elementary walks away a little happier than when they arrived.

     Closing out our question and answer time, Schrag left us with a couple of final reflections on her job and hopes by stating, “I believe one act of kindness can change someone’s entire day, and that kindness can begin right here in our school. Leadership, to me, is about creating a place where people feel valued, supported, and excited to return each day. When people know they matter, they are better able to learn, grow, and do great things for others.”

(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)