Rilke Schule hires a new principal after national search

What happened

Rilke Schule's Academic Policy Committee (APC) formed a hiring committee on February 19, 2026 and ran a national search for a new principal. On March 30, 2026 the APC voted 6-1 to offer the job to Christopher Barr, who previously served as Rilke's principal from 2016 to 2021; the board approved his contract on May 21, 2026, effective July 1, 2026. Outgoing principal Branden (Herr) Strauch is departing even though a February 2026 personnel review rated his performance exemplary for a fourth consecutive year.

Why it matters to families

The principal is the top administrator at Rilke Schule and, under Alaska charter law, is hired and directly supervised by the school's own APC rather than the district. A change in that role affects the school's day-to-day leadership, staff relationships, and direction for the roughly 500 students enrolled, right as Rilke is also relocating to a new building.

The evidence

The APC's own meeting minutes document the hiring committee's formation (February 19, 2026), the narrowing to two finalists (March 19, 2026), and the 6-1 vote on March 30, 2026 to offer the position to Christopher Barr and begin contract negotiations; a March 30 family communication and the May 21, 2026 minutes confirm the offer and the approved contract start date of July 1, 2026.

The source