I’ve been waiting a week to post about this since it was pending “board approval,” but I will have a new job in the fall. Last Wednesday, I accepted an assistant principal position at Loveland High School in the Thompson School District.
While this is a lateral move, and I was by no means looking to leave my current position at Greeley West, the move comes with some excellent advantages to my professional and personal life. The most obvious personal advantage is that by moving to my “home district” and my “neighborhood” high school, I have reduced my commute from 23 miles each way to 3 miles each way. With a wife, two little ones, and a doctoral program outside of my regular work responsibilities, it’s nice to know that I could put in another hour at work every day and still have more time to spend with family and working on my studies.
Professionally, I’ll be able to work under a very experienced principal with a sterling reputation who has shown an interest in making sure that I am able to continue to develop my leadership skills with an eye on having my own school some time down the road. I will be closely involved in the IB program – something we have at West, but that I have not had as much involvement in as I’d like.
On the flip side, I’ve never actually worked in my neighborhood school so it will be interesting to potentially be bumping into students more than every-once-in-a-while when I’m shopping for groceries or out with the kids.
While it’s always sad to say good-bye to a great administrative team and an amazing faculty and staff, I’m excited about the opportunities that await me in my new school.
Photo: “The decision” by Mark Twells
New blog theme? New job?! Look out!
Scott, Great news on your new job. I too work in my “neighborhood”. I drive less than the 3 miles and it is great. The flexibility with my family, being able to come home for dinner before night meetings, everything works out well. It is weird bumping into everyone, however it is only awkward when you see that student you just suspended at the grocery store or the parent that you had a contentious meeting with at the local restaraunt, other than that not to bad. Good luck in your new position. I am sure your family will love it. Brian
Scott-Congratulations! I’m in my own district, 4 miles from home, and the time I’ve gained personally is a huge benefit. I can run home before an evening activity, or heck, if I forget my lunch. To be honest though, the greatest benefit is also the greatest disadvantage–I am ALWAYS the high school principal, when I run to the store or go out to eat. We go camping just so I have a place to be “just Kim”. Generally though, the good outweighs the bad. Kim
Hi, Scott, I’m so happy to finally open up the links and read your stuff. Impressive – and it illuminates the reason(s) for your decision. I say a heartfelt “Amen, brother!” But seriously, i htink we all were just beginning to see, touch, experience the tip of the iceberg with you. I wish you well and know that you will thrive with your new “spaces and time.” I often wish that i would have the 85 minutes of my commute to do other, more productive activites than just drive. Mach’s gut! dv
Congratulations Scott! Here is a link to my “relocaton” story. http://edleaderweb.net/blog/?p=8
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