The Recorder on May 21, 2026
MONTEREY — The Highland County School Board last week approved hiring Richard Miller as the Highland High School principal, effective July 1.
He will replace Tim Good, who has served as HHS principal since July 2015.
Superintendent Dr. Nick Nycum said, “Mr. Miller brings a strong background in instruction, student support, activities, and school leadership.”
Miller began his career in education as a math teacher at Fort Defiance High School, where he taught across the math curriculum and served as a softball and football coach, Nycum explained. He later continued his teaching career at Turner Ashby High School, where he took on additional leadership roles as a 504 coordinator, alternative education leader, and testing coordinator.
From 2018-20, Miller served as an assistant principal at Rockbridge County High School, where he worked extensively with Career and Technical Education and special education programs.
For the past six years, he has served as the activities director and assistant principal at Fort Defiance High School, where he helped increase student participation in activities and strengthen community engagement, Nycum said.
Prior to entering education, Miller served in the United States Air Force. Following his enlistment, he earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from James Madison University and a master of science degree in administration and supervision from Liberty University.
In addition to serving as principal, Miller will serve as HCPS athletic director, taking over from Mike Warf, who retires at the end of this school year.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Miller to Highland County Public Schools and look forward to the leadership, experience, and energy he will bring to our students, staff, and community,” Nycum said.
Nycum said there will be a review of all school staffing duties this summer.
“Richard Miller will primarily serve as the secondary principal, as of now,” Nycum explained.
“Throughout the summer, we plan to meet regularly to work through and finalize responsibilities across the entire division. All aspects of the school division will be reviewed, discussed, and delegated, including instruction, special education, athletics, policy, discipline, professional development, operations, student services, testing, curriculum, and other key areas.
“I will evaluate … strengths, experiences, and areas of expertise to help determine leadership responsibilities and ensure duties are aligned in a way that best supports our students, staff, and the overall needs of the division,” Nycum added. “Our goal is to build a strong, collaborative leadership team with clearly defined roles and shared accountability across Highland County Public Schools.”