The North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals (NDASSP) as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals principal recognition program, has named Mr. Dan Kaffar principal at Central Middle School representing Devils Lake, North Dakota, the North Dakota Middle Level Principal of the Year. The NASSP National Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle level and high school principals. The program annually honors secondary school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession. Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level or high school principal to represent their state. From these state winners, three finalists are named as contenders for the National Principal of the Year award. The NASSP National Principal of the Year is selected from among the three finalists.
Kaffar completed his undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University and Valley City State University in Elementary Education and Child Development and Family Science. He completed his master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Educational Leadership. It is his team approach and willingness to give every student, teacher, and support staff an opportunity to succeed in and out of the classroom that sets him apart from others.
Kaffar’s educational journey began at Midway Public School in Inkster, North Dakota, where his passion for teaching and inspiring young minds quickly became evident. Driven by a love of learning and a desire to empower students, he became one of the region’s pioneers in adopting the innovative “flipped classroom” model. After three impactful years at Midway, he embraced a dual role as both Elementary Principal at Fordville-Lankin Public School and 6th-grade Math and 6th–8th-grade Science teacher at Midway.
In 2013, Mr. Kaffar and his family relocated to Devils Lake, where he became the Assistant Principal at Central Middle School, serving in this capacity for four successful years. His leadership and dedication earned him a promotion to Principal in 2017, a role he continues to hold with enthusiasm and commitment to fostering an environment of growth and excellence for students and staff alike.
Kaffar’s journey in education has been defined by his unwavering dedication to supporting students and staff at Devils Lake Public Schools. Known for his approachable and compassionate leadership, students trust that he is always ready to assist—whether it’s with a simple task or a more complex challenge requiring thoughtful attention.
With a strong and forward-thinking administrative team, Kaffar is committed to continuously improving student outcomes. His closest collaborator is Mr. Jake Wateland, the Assistant Principal at Central Middle School. Together, their strong partnership fosters a positive and dynamic environment, making a meaningful difference for both students and staff.
Over the past decade, Kaffar has played a key role in guiding Central Middle School toward continuous growth and improvement. Despite facing challenges such as navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing transitions, and a steadily increasing student population, his leadership has remained steadfast. The 2024-2025 school year marks a milestone with the school reaching its highest enrollment since his arrival at Devils Lake Public Schools.
Beyond his work at Central Middle School, Kaffar contributes to the district through active involvement on several committees, including the Native American Education Advisory Committee, Teacher Growth and Evaluation, and serving as the lead administrator for the Fine Arts Curriculum Committee.
Thanks to a recent grant, the school has invested in enhancing math instruction and boosting student engagement. Additionally, the adoption of the Ron Clark-inspired House System has become a defining initiative, fostering a sense of community and teamwork that Central Middle School aims to strengthen for years to come.
Mr. Kaffar has been happily married to his wife, Hayley, since 2009. Together, they are proud parents to five wonderful children: Gianna (8th grade), Miriam (7th grade), Benedict (4th grade), Magdalene (2nd grade), and Jocelyn (two years old).
Outside of his work at school, Mr. Kaffar enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. In the summer and fall, he can often be found fishing from his boat, coaching his son’s baseball team, or archery hunting. In the winter, the entire family shares a love for downhill skiing, creating cherished memories on the slopes.
Gratitude is a cornerstone of Kaffar’s life. He credits his Christian faith, meaningful relationships with students and staff at Devils Lake, and—most importantly—the love and support of his family, including his wife, children, and parents, Tim and Barb of Zap, ND, for shaping his journey.
