Alta High has a new top Hawk. 

Brian McGill, currently Assistant Principal at Corner Canyon High, has been appointed Principal at Alta High School.  The Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. 

McGill has a first-hand familiarity with the legacy of excellence at Alta High.  After all, he’s a part of it:  McGill graduated from Alta High in 1991 with a 3.9 grade-point average.

“I am a proud graduate of Alta High, and I’m grateful to the Board of Education and the Administration for allowing me to return to my alma mater in such an important role for the community,” said McGill, who is pursuing a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in social justice at the University of Utah. 

“The teachers at Alta helped me realize my potential,” he said. “I am grateful for all they did for me, and I consider it an incredible opportunity to be able return to the school and play a part of continuing the amazing tradition of achievement at Alta.”

McGill looks forward to leading an effort to make “personal connections” with students. With the opening of Corner Canyon High in 2013, enrollment at the once-overcrowded Alta has stabilized to a level that is more conducive to building mentoring relationships with students, he said. “Alta High will continue to be known for its strong post-secondary preparation, as well as achievements in arts and athletics – all the things that Alta has been known for in the past several decades.” 

“We have a great opportunity for us to focus on the students and make our community as inclusive as possible,” McGill said. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of being a community that supports and rallies around each other.” 

McGill brings a wealth of experience to the post. Before joining the administrative ranks in Canyons District, McGill served as the principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science Early College High School; the Assistant Principal of Elk Ridge Middle School; and as a school counselor and Administrative Intern at Riverton High School.  In addition, he was the Manager of College Access and Outreach for the Utah System of Higher Education.  He also was a guidance counselor at the middle and high school level. 

McGill, who succeeds Dr. Fidel Montero, earned a master’s in educational administration, a master’s of educational counseling and a master’s of mental health counseling. He also has a bachelor’s of science in psychology.

McGill will begin work immediately in his new position.