NORTH KANSAS CITY — If you graduated from the North Kansas City School District, you probably know Dr. Dan Kahler, and there’s a good chance he was your principal.
After 50 years of living in the Northland, Dr. Kahler is moving to Florida to be close to his daughter. We sat down with him, and at 88 he still enjoys talking about his time at Oak Park High School, but mostly the students.
When it opened in 1965, he was the first principal and it was his mission ‘not’ be in office, but in the hallways talking to students.
“You learn a lot more about what’s going on in student’s lives talking in the halls than being in the office. And you can’t help them unless you know what’s going on in their lives,” Dr. Kahler said.
Art Pfaff and Bob Litle were his assistant principals for many years and saw how he connected with students on a daily basis.
Always knowing students on a first names basis, treating them like adults respecting them and expecting the same respect for himself and others.
After retiring from Oak Park in 1986, Dr. Kahler came out of retirement twice to serve as interim Principal at Winnetonka and North Kansas City High.
And when Staley High School opened in 2008 he was honorary Principal for a day, becoming the only person to be principal at all four high schools in the district.
A teaching grant and service award are named in his honor, but his focus was always on the students.
He said his job was do what ever he could to help every student succeed. While he’s leaving Kansas City, leaves behind a legacy of leadership and life lessons.
If you would like to send well wishes and a card to Dr. Kahler, send it to:
OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL
C/O DAN KAHLER
825 N.E. 79TH TERRACE
KANSAS CITY, MO. 64118
For more information you can also go to Susan Hiland’s Facebook Page.
