Southwest High School has hired John Matzen as the new principal. Matzen found out about his hiring Friday, July 9 at around 2:30 p.m. The announcement was made on July 12.

“I just want to continue the great work that has been happening at Southwest for years,” Matzen said. “Our school has been very successful and continues to be very successful in activities, academics, and if I could support that and also help us grow in areas where we need to grow so we’re preparing students for the future,” Matzen said.

Matzen was a business teacher for seven years at North Star High School before taking an administrative role there. He has worked as an associate principal at Southwest for the last three years. Matzen and Gillotti worked together at North Star and Matzen was later hired by Gillotti to serve as an associate principal at Southwest before  he stepped into the role of principal.

“It came as a surprise to me certainly (When Gillotti resigned) and I’ve worked closely with him, I knew when he got his doctorate that there was potential that he would be looking for other jobs,” Matzen said.

After being principal for six years, principal Michael Gillotti resigned from his position to become an associate superintendent at an Iowa school district in Bettendorf Iowa.

“Most people when they get their doctorate in educational leadership are looking at possible superintendent positions etc,” Matzen said.

Michael Gillotti resigned from his position to become an associate superintendent at an Iowa school district in Bettendorf Iowa.

Matzen is always happy to talk to anyone about their various interests. 

“I love minivans, peanut butter Twix is my favorite candy, Jordan 7’s are my favorite shoes, I love music, but I’m always happy to talk to anyone about their interests,” Matzen said.