20 Feb 2004
Effective Campus Leaders Honored for their Dedication
DALLAS–The Area Principals of the Year were named in four of the eight areas of the Dallas Independent School District during a reception held Friday, Feb. 20.
The reception, sponsored by AXA Advisors, recognized the work of individuals nominated as innovative campus leaders. Lorenzo Garcia, deputy superintendent of Curriculum Services, saluted the outstanding principals and said that effective campus leaders are role models to all whose lives they touch. "Your dedication to your students, faculty and staff makes a difference each and every day," he said.
PTA presidents, student council officers, faculty members and fellow administrators wrote nominations describing outstanding principals. Nominated principals submitted essays outlining their professional practices and experience. The selection committee was comprised of current and retired administrators, and representatives from teacher organizations, higher education and the community. Nominees were judged on leadership skills, student and staff relations, and commitment to parent and community involvement.
Those honored Friday include:
Jose Cardenas, Seagoville Middle School–Area 1 Principal of the Year
Cardenas has been in the DISD since 1979, when he started his career as a social studies teacher. Principal of Seagoville Middle School since 2000, he practices a collaborative style of leadership, and says that effective communication is one of the most important skills of a principal. In nominating him, teachers Brenda Danser and Paul Merchant describe Jose Cardenas as trustworthy, professional and "visible." In his position statement, Cardenas says, "The principal of today must have the 'Ganas' spirit, a spirit that allows those under his leadership to become the best they can be." Cardenas received his Bachelor of the Arts from SMU and a Master of Education in Public School Administration from the University of North Texas.
Linda Smith-Ellis, W.W. Bushman Elementary School–Area 2 Principal of the Year
In 1971, Smith-Ellis began her career in St. Paul, Minnesota, as a self-contained classroom teacher. She has served as a principal of both Martin Luther King Jr. Learning Center and Phyllis Wheatley Elementary. Nominated in her first year at Bushman Elementary by teacher technologist Debra Crow, Smith-Ellis made a big impression by developing morning routines that improved student discipline. Described as a manager with heart, Smith-Ellis exudes a "Yes, You Can" attitude. Smith-Ellis says, "My practice is to bring conflicts to the table for solutions." She received her Bachelor of Science from Prairie View A&M University, and Master of Reading Specialist from the University of North Texas.
Constance Whalon Burton, Priscilla Tyler Elementary School–Area 3 Principal of the Year
Whalon Burton began her career as a teacher at Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School in 1985. She has served as principal of both Carver and Dunbar Learning Centers, and has been principal of Priscilla Tyler Elementary since 2002. Known as a risk-taker who encourages new ideas and celebrates success, Whalon Burton was described as a woman of vision by nominator Madelyn Wilkinson. Three things this principal believes in are: servant leadership, sharing the responsibility of teaching students, and assisting staff members in their own growth and development. Whalon Burton received her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas and Master of Education/Administration from Texas Woman's University.
Alford Tribble Sr., Adelle Turner Elementary School–Area 4 Principal of the Year
In 1977, Tribble Sr. began his career in education as a high school teacher in Longview, Texas. Formerly a principal at Martin Weiss Elementary School, Tribble was named principal of Adelle Turner Elementary in 2002. Shuntrice Rhodes, a teacher at Turner Elementary, wrote that her principal should be named Principal of the Century. Rhodes said, "He makes sure that each person knows that they are valuable part of the school." Saying, "success is the ultimate outcome for all students," Alford Tribble Sr. believes his faculty works as a team to challenge obstacles and identify resources to increase student achievement. Tribble received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from East Texas State University.
A second breakfast reception will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 5, to honor the nominees from the remaining four areas of the district. The DISD Principal of the Year will be named Tuesday, June 15. AXA Advisors, who also sponsors a scholarship program for DISD students, is the sponsor of the Principal of the Year program.