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Tom Chambers has always been someone who likes to take on challenging projects, and he said he hopes to take on more when he makes the transition from assistant principal to principal at Black River Falls High School this fall. Chambers is a former Tomah High School assistant principal.

“My focus in education is preparing kids for the rest of their lives,” Chambers, 42, said. “It's giving them the tools they are going to need to do jobs that are satisfying and rewarding to them, both personally and financially.”

One of the reasons Chambers applied for the position was to get students involved with area businesses and community members by completing projects, such as the house on Van Buren Street that 30 students helped build. This is important in a small community, Chambers said, because it gives students the opportunity to see what advantages and positive aspects their community has to offer them.

Chambers grew up in various places in the Midwest, graduating from St. Johns University in Minnesota. He lived in Germany and Austria for five years where he taught English. Chambers met his wife, Verona, a teacher in the Tomah School District, in Germany. Chambers and his family moved to the Tomah area 15 years ago, and he became assistant principal at Black River Falls High School two years ago.

Chambers is replacing Robert Lecheler, who is leaving Black River Falls to become the principal at Holmen High School. Lecheler has served as the principal of Black River Falls High School for the last four years.

As well as providing students with opportunities to become involved in their communities, Chambers said he looks forward to getting the community more involved with the school. He said he would like to see the school as an activity hub for the community where people feel comfortable and welcome no matter who they are.

“The amount of business and community support we have is tremendous,” Chambers said, “but I would like to see that pool broadened so not just a few people are doing it, but so more and more can contribute in any way.”

Chambers said as principal, he will continue to stress that school is the number one job for students by addressing attendance and the importance of education as a whole to prepare students for the workforce.

“The investment put into education pays off more than any part-time job you could ever have,” he said. “This is the job that’s most important.”