Walnut Grove Elementary School principal Dwight Pratt is moving on from his time at the elementary campus, as he will begin the new school year as coordinator of high school operations at Amador Valley High School.

According to Patrick Gannon, director of communications for the Pleasanton Unified School District, Pratt's appointment to his new position is set to be ratified at this week's Board of Trustees meeting.

"This being Amador's 100th year celebration, I could not be more excited to be a part of this milestone," Pratt said in a statement to the Weekly. "To be around student athletics and that energy really excites me and I am thrilled to be in PUSD."

A former high school coach for 14 years and member of the city's Parks and Recreation Department for 10 years, Pratt has been at Walnut Grove for the last four years -- before he was appointed as principal in September 2021 he served as the school's vice principal.

"He will be missed at Walnut Grove, but we are excited to have his energy and expertise at Amador Valley," Gannon told the Weekly.

According to a message Pratt sent to the parents and families at Walnut Grove, he said that while the transition to Amador is bittersweet, he is looking forward to working with the next school year's incoming freshmen who were fifth-graders when he first started at Walnut Grove.

"I am excited to dive into high school athletics and continue my path in administration and facilities," Pratt said in his message to the families. "I know that in my departure everyone at Walnut Grove will continue to be amazing as they demonstrate how to be responsible, respectful, and ready to learn."

He also added that he will be working closely with the district to "ensure a smooth, seamless transition" for whoever replaces his position at Walnut Grove.

According to Gannon, the district is actively recruiting for a principal and said that the goal is to have a permanent hire in place for the upcoming school year.