THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 11, 1994 TAG: 9408090172
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: COVER STORY
BACK TO SCHOOL
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Birthplace: Roanoke
Birthdate: April 11, 1941
Family: Wife, Diana, four children.
Pets: A cocker spaniel, Toby.
Education: Bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Norfolk State University; master's in administration and educational specialist certificate from University of Virginia.
Previous position: Principal of James Monroe for five years. Before that, he was principal of Norview and Young Park elementary schools and principal of Little Creek Primary and the defunct John Marshall Elementary. He taught at Meadowbrook and Easton elementary schools and was an instructional specialist at Stuart and Lansdale elementary schools.
Goals: ``One of the things I hope to do is to continue the programs that have been set in place. They have some real innovative programs. I'm really excited about following through on most of those.'' Jacox is one of the system's schools run by ``site-based'' management. ``I think teachers and other folks enjoy having input to the decision-making process.''
Obstacles: ``I guess unfamiliarity with what has taken place. That just takes time. In talking with my predecessor, I learned there was a problem with parental involvement, so I definitely will have to work real hard in terms of getting parents involved.''
Proudest accomplishment as an educator: ``I never felt that I would ever become a principal. It wasn't something I always aspired to do. I like the role as principal. I feel like it's such a vital role and one where you have a tremendous amount of input in terms of the success or failure of the institution. I really had principals who pushed me forward.''
Hobbies: Physical fitness kinds of things: tennis, running, going to the YMCA before work.
Book you'd recommend: ``For the Children,'' by Madeline Cartwright, a visionary principal of a Chicago elementary school, very similar to community schools in Norfolk. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Leon Bonds
KEYWORDS: PROFILE
by CNB