Principal will miss joy, curiosity of his students
Q. Tell us about your career in education and your time in Northridge.
A. In my 35 years in education, I have had the opportunity to be a part of several great school districts in the Miami Valley. This included nine years in the classroom teaching Industrial Arts at Trotwood Madison City School District and 26 years in administration at Mad River, New Lebanon, Versailles and Northridge. Every system has unique needs in their school culture and has offered valuable lessons in best practices.
Q. What will you miss most about Northridge?
A. I will miss students’ moments of insight and success and their joy and curiosity. I will also miss our staff. Hopefully, I made a difference for them so that they could make a difference for our students.
Q. What advice can you share with aspiring administrators?
A. Finding ways to foster and celebrate student success will encourage additional student success. Find ways to value staff and identify their strengths. Bringing out the best in your staff enhances instruction and benefits students. Leadership is about making a difference for others.
Q. What are your plans during retirement?
A. Family time and travel are at the top of my list. I would like to thank my wife, Jennifer, for her support and understanding for the many days I couldn’t leave school at the office, and for her encouragement allowing me to pursue a career that I truly have loved. I would also like to thank my children, Sara, Willis and Hope, who are my joy.