How has your first quarter at Park gone?

It went so fast. This has definitely been one of the fastest school years so far.

What about this school is impactful to you so far?

I have to say both the students and staff are really lucky to be at St. Louis Park. This is my sixth school in a 20-year career, and I have not been at a school where students are so supported before. I recently saw the play and realized how awesome it really is, when I saw all the talented actors, crew members, and technicians. Everyone here gives their all because they love it, not because they want a reward.

Students are lucky to be here because they have supportive staff who always put the kids first, and the staff are lucky to work here because change and innovation are also supported. This is really an amazing place; I couldn’t be happier. I’ve lived my whole life on school years, in school, college, and as a school employee, so the year naturally feels faster. However, this year has felt faster than ever; I couldn’t believe it had already been a quarter.

What have been the most important changes this year? What are you proud of thus far?

I can’t think of any changes we’ve made, though students may feel like there have been a lot of changes. Maybe we’ve been making some enforcements or focuses, but no changes yet. The only major changes were made before I was actually at school.

The only real changes I implemented was with the parking lot. For the first time every spot is full and we’ve even sold 15 extras, accounting for absences. It’s reduced fees and given students more options. (Previous principal Rob) Metz and (assistant principal Scott) Meyers always wanted to use the Circle Doors most, and now there isn’t really another place to enter, so we’ve been able to enforce that policy.

Are there any policy changes you expect soon? What are some of your priorities for changes you’d like to see made?

In general, if there’s a problem, we’ll find a way to fix it. I also know the passage of the Referendum may cause changes across the district, not just at the high school. Students and staff may be part of committees that help with the decision-making process.

Another initiative we have is expanding Academy Classes further. We’ve done a good job so far with ICL class in ninth grade, with classes like Criminal Justice. Now we’re looking to get students more credits. We’re talking with a couple of colleges so they can help us show students pathways to walk out of here with AAs (Associate in Arts degrees), including routes with AP, IB, and Articulated Classes. It’s mostly looking at ways to provide financially so people can work toward their diplomas and even finishing degrees. It’s in the conversation stage, so it might affect this year’s freshmen, but more likely it will affect next year’s freshmen.

What are areas are you and the administration is focusing on most to change?

Supporting students and teachers. We just started our evaluation process; I met with every teacher personally and set goals. I don’t know if teachers had ever done that with an administrator before and talked about what they’re working on this year. I’m hoping to do walk-throughs, so students may see me in their classrooms sometime before break.

I try to be visible, though I do have a lot of meetings. Visibility is important for supporting everyone at school. It shows how much I care about what they’re doing in classes and what’s going on in their lives. I do walk around during passing time at different places in school each day, and I try to make it to the buses every day.

What do you see as the strongest areas of the school right now?

There is so much that is strong at our school. Beside our strong academic focus, the kids and staff are supportive and willing to try new things. Our ninth grade program is strong, with a team of teachers who follow blocks of students. It really gets stronger every year, and now we’re starting a 10th grade focus on teacher teaming. We want to keep taking things we do well and expand on them.

Is there anything you’re particularly proud of so far?

I’m proud of so much, and I’m still looking forward to every new day. I’m really excited for the end of the year when I get to hand seniors diplomas, which I know will be sooner than we think.