Ryan Kulikowski stepped into the role of former assistant principal Anna Hipps in early September, having previously served as an administrator at Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City.
A middle school social studies educator for 14 years, Kulikowski has even taught overseas, but he most recently taught at Smith Middle School—from 2017 to 2020—where his wife is an assistant principal.
“I know a bunch of the kids [at Chapel Hill High School] because I taught at Smith. It’s nice to know a lot about the kids, and a lot about their history comes in handy once in a while, but I think just generally getting along with kids is a helpful thing in my role,” he said.
Originally from Chicago, Kulikowski has spent the last eight years of his life in North Carolina. He received his Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University in Chicago and earned his Master of School Administration degree from North Carolina State University.
Kulikowski has two kids of his own attending schools in the district: one goes to Smith Middle School, and the other attends Seawell Elementary School.
“I’ve really seen day-to-day what kids go through. I taught mostly middle school, but then a little bit of high school, and then my internship was at an elementary school, so I’ve seen all three levels now,” he said.
Kulikowski completed his internship at McDougle Elementary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I liked seeing [Mr. Blanchard] in action in some district level meetings,” Kulikowski said. “I was always just really impressed with him, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him.”
Kulikowski works with Chapel Hill High School students with last names beginning P through Z, many of whom he previously taught.
“I feel so welcomed by the kids. They say, ‘Hey, Mr. K, what are you doing here?’ and I’m like, ‘Well, I go here now.’ They remember me as much as I remember them. It’s all smiles,” Kulikowski said.
Kulikowski taught 7th grade social studies to sophomore Lior Politi.
“I was surprised to find out that [Kulikowski] is now the assistant principal at our school. I remember Mr. Kulikowski was a joy to have teaching me social studies, and his classroom environment was always positive and fun, which made learning social studies fun and interesting for me as well,” Politi said.
Another former student of Kulikowski, sophomore Tanda Adamou, is glad to see him in the halls.
“I know he’s been working on achieving this position for a while, so I’m happy to see him reach his goals,” Adamou said. “Overall, I think he’s a great administrator who truly seems to care about his students. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Kulikowski contributes to the CHHS community.”
Although he wishes he had started at Chapel Hill High School earlier in the year, Kulikowski said he has enjoyed his new position thus far.
“I mean, we’ve got everything here. We have a top-notch robotics club, we’ve got top-notch students in all subject areas, we’ve got diversity, and we’ve got a frickin’ fire truck,” he said. “It’s just been so welcoming. I go home every day feeling like we work hard and we make a difference.”
Hipps, now principal at Cedar Ridge High School, looks back fondly at her seven-year tenure at Chapel Hill High School.
“Chapel Hill High School will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am hoping all students and staff have a wonderful school year this year,” Hipps said. “I am thinking of the Tigers and wishing everyone the best year possible.”
