Woodlawn Elementary School, in the Northeast neighborhood of Woodlawn, is in the market for a new principal. The current principal, Lemil Speed, will finish this school year, but the process for finding his replacement is already underway. On Wednesday, April 28th, Cynthia Gilliam, Director of Administrative Hiring and Performance Management for Portland Public Schools, led a community meeting to discuss what parents, teachers, community members, and even kids wanted to see in a new principal.
In advance of the meeting, the Portland Public Schools human resources department made available a survey asking participants to name the greatest strengths of the school, the greatest challenges, and what is unique about their school—what things should the district consider when making their selection for a new principal (survey available in Spanish and English on the Portland Public School’s web site, and on the Woodlawn School site as well). In an open forum, people attending the meeting were encouraged to answer these questions, and to add other points as they saw fit.
There was a good turnout at the meeting—a mix of parents, teachers, and school volunteers who expressed a passion for their school, discussing both what works and what aspirations they have for improvement. Many of those who spoke started by saying how much they loved the school, and saw the faculty and parents as passionate about making it the best it can be.
“It was a well attended meeting and I think it is evident that the staff and community love their school and want to see the children prosper,” said Gilliam. She praised the community for their pro-activism, getting engaged in the process of hiring a principal who would be the right fit for their school.
“That is the kind of community we have at Woodlawn. When people see a need they work to fill it.”
According to the meeting participants, the most important qualities in a candidate would include an ability to communicate effectively with parents, students, faculty and the community, an educator who is experienced in working with diversity, and one who will act as an advocate for the school and it’s children.
Both parents and teachers stressed the need for a principal who was both accessible and transparent—and who would maintain a sense of accountability. One woman suggested the principal realize that there is a need to engage the community, and feel invested in it.
“The principal needs to know that the job is more than just an eight-thirty to three o’clock concern,” she stressed.
Participants expressed hope for a leader who would reach out to the community to encourage their support and perform outreach in an effort to inspire more people to send their kids to Woodlawn. Currently, only about 50% of the children whose home school is Woodlawn attend there, and the meeting attendees seemed focused on changing that statistic.
A few of the students of Woodlawn spoke at the meeting as well.
“I’d like someone who is nice,” a kindergartener offered.
“Someone who helps me do the right thing,” suggested a third grader.
“Be responsible for the kids,” recommended a fifth grader.
“We know someone is waiting to come into this school to make a change,” said one dad. “We have passionate teachers. We need a principal who will nurture that.”
The superintendent will take all of the information into account when looking at candidates for the position. The district is also actively seeking volunteers in the community to sit on a hiring panel. Gilliam says that parent, teacher, and community member input on the hiring decision are an important part of the process.
Overall, meeting attendees expressed an obvious pride and dedication to the school and the success of the students. They are hoping that the new principal will mirror that investment.
Woodlawn School
7200 NE 11th Avenue
Portland OR 97211
