4 Mar 2005
Administrators Were Honored for Their Leadership and 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, March 4.
The reception, sponsored by AXA Advisors, recognized the work of individuals nominated as innovative campus leaders.
"We relish the opportunity to encourage and recognize the instructional leaders of our schools. Principals are the people we depend on to provide the vision and inspiration for student success," said Jack Lowe, DISD trustee, district 2.
PTA presidents, student council officers, faculty members and fellow administrators nominated those they believed to be outstanding principals. Nominated principals submitted essays outlining their professional practices and experience. The selection committee was comprised of current and retired administrators, 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.
Principals of the year for Areas 1-4 are:
Renita Baker, Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary – Area 1 Principal of the Year
With a master's degree in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas A & M at Commerce, Renita Baker has served as an educator since 1984, when she started her career as a teacher. With almost three years as a school principal, her staff describes Baker as "a leader who knows good practice, delegates responsibilities and sets a good example for her staff and students." Renita says that as a school administrator she "seeks a variety of ways to increase and support emerging leaders as they work outside the walls of the classroom," because this would help develop a better staff as well as parent involvement.
Earl Jones, Lincoln Humanities/Communications Magnet – Area 2 Principal of the Year
In 1984, Earl Jones began his career as a fifth and sixth grade teacher. Jones has been a school principal for almost 12 years and his current school is recognized locally, nationally, and worldwide for its outstanding academic and extracurricular activities. His leadership and abilities to help students crosses the ocean and goes as far as Africa, where he currently has a partnership with a school in Swaziland. Jones is described by his colleagues as "a role model for principals because he is supportive of their endeavors to promote student success." Jones strongly believes that "we must instill in the young people who enter our doors, that learning is a right and a responsibility." He also promotes a rigorous curriculum for students. Jones holds a master's of Science in Educational Administration from Kansas State University.
Evangelina Kircher, Thomas J. Rusk Middle – Area 3 Principal of the Year
With 27 years of experience in the field of education, Evangelina Kircher is known as a principal who nurtures an environment for growth and development. She takes risks to improve student learning, and demonstrates creativity and imagination in bringing positive change. Kircher graduated from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary School in 1977 and later received a master's degree in Mid-Management Administration from Texas Woman's University in 1997. Student achievement is not the only important thing for Kircher, she also has a great desire to help parents continue their education, and offers GED classes at her school.
Harnell Williams, Lisbon Elementary – Area 4 Principal of the Year
Harnell Williams has been an educator and principal for almost 18 years. Lisbon Elementary teachers feel fortunate because they say Williams has developed an environment where teachers feel supported and encouraged to work as a team to develop plans and methods to improve students' learning. Parents also appreciate Williams for bringing the community in her school closer through school programs geared to adults. Williams acquired her master's degree in Education at Texas A & M University – Commerce in 1978, and after that, completed several Certificate-Graduate Study courses.
A second breakfast reception will be held at 9 a.m., Friday, April 1, to honor the nominees from the remaining four district areas. The DISD Principal of the Year will be named Monday, June 13, at a luncheon for all principals. AXA Advisors, who also sponsors a scholarship program for DISD students, is the sponsor of the Principal of the Year program.