In about a week, schools across Bartow County will be teeming with students hustling to and from classes, starting again a new year brimming with possibilities and opportunities.

New faces, old acquaintances and the familiar rhythm of student life are an adjustment for students, most of whom spent the last two months avoiding the inevitable return to school.

But students aren’t the only ones starting fresh this month.

At Cartersville High School, Steve Butler will begin his tenure as principal and although he is known as the new guy on campus, his new position places him in a role where he can play a significant role in the lives of both teachers and students.

And when the school bell rings Aug. 8, he looks forward to greater heights for his students and his faculty and staff.

“What an awesome honor to be principal at this school,” Butler said. “I mean, the tradition that’s here, the quality of people, I just think when people talk about Cartersville High School it’s got such a great reputation and we just want to enhance that.”

Butler, who started his career as a teacher and coach in Ohio, moved to Georgia in 1997 and began teaching at Harrison High School in Kennesaw.

He said his decision to become a school administrator stemmed from his desire to have more of an impact on teachers as well as students.

“It’s one of those things where I felt like I could make a bigger difference in making other teachers’ lives easier,” Butler said. “That’s why I’m here. I want to make things easier for teachers and students.”

Butler began his school administrative career at Chapel Butler said he has three philosophies to share in his first year as principal, which include making sure that his faculty is instructionally focused and speaking the same academic language and that as a unit the school provides a collaborative environment.

Butler said these ideals support are key to providing the best learning atmosphere for Cartersville High students.

“My goal is for every student to have a positive reason for coming to school every day,” Butler said. “I want them to dream about things they never have thought of before.”