Principals ‘Graduate’ from
Yearlong Leadership Training

May 9, 2005

Eighteen Plano ISD principals, new at the helm this school year, have completed leadership training facilitated by Sandra Meridith, retired west cluster area assistant superintendent, and four mentor principals, who are also recently retired from Plano schools.

SEATED (l-r) Sandy Muzquiz, Sigler Elementary; Priscilla Chow, Harrington Elementary; Cindy Guinn, Daffron Elementary; Kristi Graham, Hedgcoxe Elementary; Melissa Arrambide, Meadows Elementary; Mariea Sprott, Hightower Elementary; Laura Childress, Special Programs k-8; Marilyn Carruthers, Aldridge Elementary; and Dr. Mark Harrison, Christie Elementary;

STANDING (l-r) Karen Noble, Mendenhall Elementary; Kary Cooper, Robinson Middle School; Jason Myatt, Centennial Elementary; Nancy Roberts (mentor principal); Michael Novotny, Jasper High School; Beverly Sellers (mentor principal); Sandra Meridith (new principal leadership program facilitator); and Sandra Wysong (mentor principal); Shauna Koehn, Carpenter Middle School; and Janie Milner (mentor principal).

NOT PICTURED are Misty Schreiber, Rasor Elementary; Stephanie Schmoker, Clark High School; Kellie Latimer, Saigling Elementary; and Barbara Richardson, Brinker Elementary.

Training involved monthly meetings with (and “24/7” availability of) mentor principals, general meetings, curriculum meetings and new principal meetings, in which they discussed such areas as human resources, special education and communications policies and procedures.

“An ongoing theme for new principal training was a focus on understanding and embracing the ‘Plano ISD Culture,’” noted Ms. Meridith. “The new principals and their mentors made fabulous connections, bonding as a group. ”

Shauna Koehne, new principal at Carpenter Middle School, said, "Sharing the experiences of other beginning principals, combined with the insight and reflection from our mentors, has been invaluable this year. I can't imagine starting a principal-ship any other way and wish that every new principal could only be so set up for success!"

Principal Sandy Muzquiz, Sigler Elementary School, agree. "The support of my mentor Sandra Wysong was invaluable during my first year as principal," she said. "I truly have the best job in the world, and I look forward to doing it all again next year! "