1 Apr 2005
Finalists Share Strong Communication Skills and Focus on Instruction
DALLAS–The final four of eight Dallas Independent School District Area Principals of the Year were named during a reception Friday, April 1.
The reception, sponsored by AXA Advisors, recognized the work of individuals nominated as innovative campus leaders.
Board Trustee Hollis Brashear, District 6, joined Deputy Superintendent Jim Scales– Administrative Services in thanking the principals.
"The nominated instructional leaders of our schools are heroes and heroines," said Scales. "I look into your faces and know that your schools cherish you, appreciate your leadership and your focus on academic achievement."
Nominated by members of their school-communities, 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 5-8 are:
Robert Giesler, Public Services Magnet for Government, Law and Law Enforcement – Area 5
Giesler began his education career 37 years ago as a DISD teacher but served as principal of W.E. Greiner Middle School, Justin F. Kimball and Woodrow Wilson high schools before arriving at Law Magnet in 1993. His faculty credits Giesler's open communication style, the mutual respect for students and staff and the professional attitude he maintains for the school's high graduation rate and excellent attendance. Giesler's belief, "It is incumbent upon the leader to approach conflict situations with intellect rather than ego," offers him the tools to handle challenging situations successfully. He earned his bachelor of science, master of education and superintendent certification from East Texas State University.
Rodney Cooksy, Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School – Area 6
Cooksy earned a bachelor of music degree from North Texas State University before heading to Howard University to complete a master of music education. He served as band director at Sarah Zumwalt and then T.W. Browne middle schools before becoming an assistant principal. Named as principal of Louise Wolff Kahn in 2001, his staff and community appreciate his resource management. Cooksy provides K-2 teachers with Palm Pilots to conduct reading assessments, and uses technology to enhance the learning environment. The Kahn faculty feels his energy and self-motivation is contagious, said his nominator.
Jean McGill, Nathan Adams Elementary School – Area 7
In 23 years with DISD, McGill has served as a teacher at Annie Webb Blanton, Nathan Adams and Arthur Kramer elementary schools and as assistant principal at E.H. Cary Middle School. In 2000, she was named principal of Nathan Adams. Students, parents and faculty admire her organization of the Professional Learning Community, her skill as a strong communicator, and her emphasis on a positive school environment–both for the students and for the staff. From Ohio State University, McGill earned her bachelor of science in education, master of arts in guidance and counseling, followed by a master of arts in elementary education from the University of Texas.
Olivia Henderson, Stonewall Jackson Elementary School–Area 8
Henderson earned her bachelor of science at Texas Woman's University, a master of liberal arts at Southern Methodist University and a mid-management certification from East Texas State University. In 1974 she began her DISD career as Special Education teacher at William B. Carroll Elementary School (now closed), and was a bilingual teacher and early childhood specialist before becoming principal of Stephen Foster Elementary. Henderson has spent the past 14 years serving the faculty, staff and students at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School. Parents credit her with "the impossible: always organized, always able to accomplish a clear resolution to any issue." Under her leadership, Stonewall achieved national recognition as a Blue Ribbon school. Henderson says the greatest compliment she could receive would be "You taught me how to love learning and believe in myself."
At a March reception honoring Areas 1-4, these additional finalists were announced:
Area 1: Janie Baker, Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary
Area 2: Earl Jones, Lincoln High School
Area 3: Evangeline Kircher, Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
Area 4: Harnell Williams, Lisbon Elementary School
The eight area principals of the year will participate in a selection panel in May. The DISD Principal of the Year will be named Monday, June 13, at a luncheon for all principals. AXA Advisors, which also sponsors a scholarship program for DISD students, is the sponsor of the Principal of the Year program.