Elementary principal retires after 21 years

WASILLA — Dave Nufer hasn’t become quite as iconic as his silver screen hero, John Wayne, but he has influenced thousands of Valley students and staff.

Walking into Principal Nufer’s office at Finger Lake Elementary School, the first thing anyone will notice is the plethora of pictures on the walls, most of them featuring America’s favorite cowboy actor. But other photos and news articles hang around the room, too — records of lives Nufer has touched in various ways.

Now that he is set to retire at the end of this school year in just a few short weeks, parents and teachers have come forward to express their thanks.

“Mr. Nufer is one of the kindest, most understanding people on this planet,” wrote Dr. Duane Odland, whose granddaughter attends Finger Lake.

Odland’s daughter (and his granddaughter’s mother), Megan Nystrom, also attended Finger Lake during Nufer’s 21-year tenure at the school.

Nufer bounced around at first, spending a few years at Cottonwood Creek Elementary teaching third, fourth and fifth grade classes, and a year as assistant principal at Colony Middle School. He also worked as a youth leader for St. John Lutheran Church when he first moved to Alaska 32 years ago.

“I really love kids,” Nufer said, in explanation of his career choices.

Nufer has a double bachelor’s degree in Christian education and early childhood and elementary education from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. He also has a master’s degree in education from the University of Alaska Anchorage, making him qualified for the school district superintendent position.

But Nufer told staff members and friends that, if he ever considered taking such a position, they should “take a 4-by-4 and whack me upside the head with it.”

Not because it would be a bad job, per se, but because he wouldn’t have the same level of interaction with students. And although teachers may be able to develop the most personal relationships with a small group of students, Nufer said being an elementary school principal has been the most “wonderful and rewarding” job.

“The greatest joy is I get to see every kid in the school … and have contact with them on a daily basis,” he said. “That’s really fun.”

But perhaps what sets Nufer apart is his philosophy about his position. Historically, going to the principal’s office has been associated with bad behavior.

“I’ve tried to make it a resource,” Nufer said.

While many principal visits need to be about “turning poor choices into life lessons,” he said, some can just be an opportunity to cheer up a student who’s having a rough day. It’s about “doing what needs to be done” for the student to have “their best chance for success,” he said.

Principal by day, actor by night

Nufer’s sense of humor, love for improvisation and cheery personality have not only served him in the classroom and as principal, but in the theater as well.

Nufer was named Best Supporting Actor by Valley Performing Arts for his performance as Cogsworth in “Beauty and the Beast” during the organization’s 31st season, and his theatrical resume has only grown from there. Nufer has participated in about one play every year since 2007, at least once as director, for VPA’s production of “Blithe Spirit.” And he also was named Best Actor for season 36, after his performance as the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.”

“It’s always been a sort of passion of mine,” Nufer said, of acting. “It’s kind of my release.”

But he never seriously thought he would star in a feature film.

Nufer plays Ranger Mike Sezgrub in “Moose: The Movie,” the brainchild of “Tundra” cartoonist Chad Carpenter and his brother, Darin. The film has been playing at The Valley Cinema in Wasilla since April 24. Opening weekend, Nufer said, “Moose” came in fourth in terms of ticket sales.

“They did such a good job on a minimal budget,” he said, of the Carpenter brothers and movie crew. “It’s such a good thing for the community.”

But now it’s even bigger than that. Due to several sell-outs, showings have been extended through May 14, for a total three-week run. The movie is also on its way to Anchorage, Kenai, Fairbanks, and beyond — “Moose” has also been booked in Salt Lake City and Evergreen, Colorado.

What’s next?

Although Nufer is retiring and will miss his students and staff, he said he’s convinced the school will be “in good hands” with incoming principal Susan R. Steele. Steele is currently the assistant principal at Palmer High School.

As for Nufer’s plans, anything could happen.

“It’d be great if Hollywood called,” Nufer said, chuckling.

In the meantime, he said he intends to do a lot of fishing, cooking and relaxing. But he’s still focusing on finishing out the year.

“I’m not worried that I’ll be want for something to do,” he said.

To bid Principal Nufer farewell and celebrate his influence, Finger Lake staff have planned a retirement party May 16 at the Palmer Elks Lodge on Finger Lake. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., but the building is reserved from 4 to 9 p.m. for mingling.

To RSVP to the event, call 864-2200.