Last year, De Soto High School said goodbye to many great teachers and administrators. As of this year, DHS welcomes seven new teachers and two administrators, and Sam Ruff has stepped up to take the place of Kris Meyer as the new associate principal.

As an administrator, Ruff has a large amount of experience to contribute to the DHS staff.

“I have 20 years of education experience. I started out as a teacher and coach, I was an athletic director, I was an assistant principal for two different buildings,” Ruff said.

Originally employed in Indiana, Sam Ruff has had opportunities to work with many sizes of schools, which DHS principal Dustin Mortenson said is a valuable quality.

“I think he’ll help us out quite a bit as we grow,” Mortenson said.

While faculty have spoken out appreciation towards Ruff, they also value him as a friend and co-worker.

“Personally he’s a very good guy, energetic, great listener. He’s very easy on an environment. He knows how to present ideas in a diplomatic way,” Mortenson said.

All else aside, Ruff is most excited to be part of the DHS social environment.

“We have a great atmosphere. It’s not a big school, super strict, policy driven school. It’s a relationship driven school, and that’s a homerun when it comes to dealing with teachers and students and how you should treat people,” Ruff said.

Even though a new opportunity has arisen in DHS, Ruff still prioritizes his family above all else.

“Most important to me would be my family. I have three adult children, my wife, those relationships are the most important to me,” Ruff said.