Community asked to take survey about qualities they wish to see in a new high school principal.
By Patric Hedlund
Martin Schmidt is the principal/superintendent of Gorman Elementary School District who turned a failing school into a growing little powerhouse. In two years, the enrollment is on its way toward tripling. From 43 students, it has leapt to 100 students, with 40-50 more on the waiting list. That adds over $400,000 to the revenue side of the ledger and allows Gorman School to hire teachers when other schools are passing out pink slips.
Schmidt also coached a turnaround from lackluster performance on state tests to solid growth toward students’ proficiency in core subjects. Clearly, a good principal can make a big difference.
But on April 4 Schmidt confirmed the rumors: he plans to retire at the end of this year and move back to Washington state where he and his wife have a home and can be close to their family again.
On Monday, El Tejon Unified School District Superintendent Katie Kleier also began seeking a new principal. She sent out a survey, inviting members of the community to weigh in on the qualities they feel are most important for the leader of ETUSD’s Frazier Mountain High School.
See the survey below. It can also be submitted online, here.
All community members are invited to rank the qualities they feel are most important for a high school principal who can provide the leadership to take FMHS forward.
Gorman’s Superintendent/ Principal Martin Schmidt commended Kleier’s survey. "That is a good way to start; that shows she is looking for grassroots community support," Schmidt said.
Although Schmidt served as a high school principal previously (for Kern County’s McFarland High School), he said he is not interested in the FMHS job.
"I’ve never considered it and I never would consider it—not even if they offered me a million dollars a year. It is the hardest job in the world. It takes a very strong person. It takes familiarity with numerous programs and requires working many nights a week.
"It takes a background in administration and working with curriculum. You need the ability to interpret data, to see how to improve academic achievement. It takes a very well-rounded person with a vision, who can work well with kids.
"Most principals get their skills working as assistant principals for five to six years—hopefully with a very good principal.
"There are administrative professional groups in California which have training programs. The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) is the professional group in California. I took their superintendent academy. It is like a boot camp. It was outstanding. But it is the practical experience that is even more important," Schmidt said.
He described some of the priorities gained from having worked in a high school for a number of years, including knowing about Advanced Placement (AP) programs and how to do remediation for kids who are struggling.
On May 24, the Gorman Elementary School Board of Trustees will be interviewing candidates for their principal/superintendent position.
Here is the survey which El Tejon Unified School District’s Superintendent Kleier is using to assist in her search for a new high school principal. You are invited to contribute your ideas and priorities.
ETUSD Principal Survey
Dear Community Members,
ETUSD is currently soliciting applications for the principal of Frazier Mountain High School. I am interested in your opinions regarding the personal and professional qualities you consider the most important for a successful candidate.
I have included a list of characteristics essential to an effective principal. Please rank these in order of importance from 1-10, with 1 being the most important and 10 being the least.
Please return your rankings to the District Office no later than April 27, 2011.
Thank you for taking the time to provide this input. Working together we can accomplish great things for the El Tejon Unified School District.
Sincerely,
Katherine Kleier
Superintendent, El Tejon Unified School District
SURVEY
Name (optional)___________________________________________________________
____ Community Member ____ Parent
School Site your student attends: _________________________________
Please rank from 1-10 by level of importance the following characteristics for a successful
principal: 1 is most important; 10 is least important.
____ Visionary
____ Values Human Resources
____ Communicates and Listens effectively
____ Proactive
____ Risk Taker
____ Strong Background in Curriculum and Instruction
____ Trustworthy and Credible
____ Works Collaboratively
____ Experience with Assessment and Accountability
____ Involved in Extra Curricular Activities
Other comments, questions or concerns (use additional paper if needed):
Please return to the ETUSD District Office, (4337 Lebec Road, Lebec, CA 93243-9705, just north of El Tejon School), no later than April 27, 2011. The fax number is 248-6714. An online version of this survey is also being prepared. Check the ETUSD website to see if it is available yet.
This is part of the April 08, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.
