New Lakewood Ranch principal already familiar with campus

Olivia Holden – Senior Editor Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- The School District of Manatee County (SDMC) announced Lakewood Ranch High School’s (LRHS) new principal will be Mike Mullen.

Mullen served as principal of Martha B. King Middle School and before that was an assistant principal at Bayshore High School and at LRHS. His appointment still must be approved by the school board.

Mullen is not new to LRHS. He served previously as a teacher and varsity baseball coach at LRHS.

A “Meet and Greet” with Mullen is scheduled for 5:30p.m. on June 15 at the LRHS Media Center.

Mullen is excited to return to the community of Lakewood Ranch. His three children are Mustang graduates, Mullen knows the LRHS community and wants to continue building on what is already there.

"I want to build a culture of family and engagement. I want the community to feel welcome at the school," Mullen said.

In Mullen’s previous position at King Middle, he helped raise the school grade from a C to a B. He wants to continue what he was doing at King Middle at LRHS.

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Mullen expressed, “I want teachers to do what they do best and give all our kids a chance to thrive.

“Lakewood Ranch has successful academics and athletics,” he continued. “We need to keep that going and to celebrate every aspect of our school."

Outgoing LRHS Principal Dustin Dahlquist starts his work at Rangeland High School July 1.

Dahlquist is confident that Mullen will help LRHS continue to thrive, and said, “I am confident that with Principal Mullen’s leadership, Lakewood Ranch High School will continue to build on its strong traditions, meet the high expectations of our community, and continue providing outstanding opportunities for our students.”