LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

David Pryer was nominated by his superintendent, Mel Rentschler.

Mr. Pryer impacted an entire community during the 2020-2021 school year. Without his leadership and guidance, Allen East Local School District would not have been capable of holding school five days a week, in-person, all year. Mr. Pryer developed and implemented protocols to keep the children of Allen East safe so they could receive an in-person education in the middle of a global pandemic.

Mr. Pryer guided many students, families, and staff members through difficult times and was a great comfort to them and the community. He worked around the clock, answering calls at home at all hours and on weekends from staff and families on how to deal with COVID-19. He took a common-sense approach to dealing with COVID-19. Mr. Pryer did everything he could to make sure certain students didn't lose valuable time in the classroom. He had the foresight to realize early in the pandemic that kids would be hurt more being isolated at home, as they would lose the social and emotional interaction with their peers. His actions allowed students to have prom, graduation, musicals, band performances, art shows, sports, and much more. The academic year of 2020-2021 was a success, in large part because of Mr. Pryer’s actions.

The teaching and support staff of Allen East also owe Mr. Pryer a great deal of gratitude. From March to May 2020, all schools in Ohio had to shut down and go remote. It was a difficult three months for educators and support staff, who had to adapt to new methods of delivering education and support to children. When Mr. Pryer made it possible for all students to return to in-person learning in August 2020, it was a huge boost to the staff. He created positive morale among the staff. Teachers were able to teach better. Social workers could have in-person counseling sessions. Special education students could receive much-needed therapies. Teachers and staff were able to return to a more normal situation because of Mr. Pryer.

Most importantly, Mr. Pryer is a great person. He has a demeanor that is welcoming and very calm. He does not let a lot rattle him or get upset. No matter the situation, he always has the best interest of children as a priority. He has helped improve the culture of the school in many ways. It is easy to say that school is a better place because of Mr. Pryer.