You might say Penryn Elementary School’s new principal has education in his blood.

Andy Withers, who graduated from Del Oro High School in 1993, grew up in what is now Granite Bay and comes from a family of educators.

“My father is a school principal and my mother is a teacher and so is my wife,” Withers said.

Withers became Penryn’s top administrator last summer after former principal Cindy Uptain moved to the Loomis Basin Charter School. Withers is not new to the Loomis Union School District, though. He spent six years teaching kindergarten, second grade and sixth grade at Franklin Elementary School and coached the girls basketball team.

Then he left the district to take a vice principal job at a Natomas District school in Sacramento and spent another three years as a principal at another Natomas.

“It’s amazing to be back. It’s a pleasure to be in a community that supports education and teachers,” he said.

Getting to know the students, families and how the school works is Withers’ goal for his first year. He’s also working with parents to get a new playground for the school.

He said the school has received in-kind donations of $45,000 from local businesses and will try to apply for grants. He said the cost of just one playground is $100,000 and there are multiple playground areas to work on.

Penryn School secretary Traci Saunders welcomes Withers “enthusiasm and positive attitude.”

“He’s very involved in every aspect of the school,” she said.

Saunders said Withers started a spirit assembly for the whole school and every Friday, students and staff all come together for 15 minutes.

“Everyone looks forward to it. It’s a great way to finish the week,” Saunders said.

Withers said his management style is “very positive, hands on.” He said his bottom line is “do what’s best for the kids, although it’s not always the easiest.”