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Wharton High's new chief settles in
By JOHN BALZ, Times Staff Writer
NEW TAMPA -- If George Gaffney needs any further reminders of what he has become, he needn't look any further than his new desk. On it, he will find a blue baseball cap and a gray T-shirt both emblazoned with the word "Wharton." Gaffney is now a Wildcat. New Tampa's newest principal hasn't had time to decorate his digs (he plans to mount a 52-inch stuffed mahi mahi on the wall). He's been too busy meeting Wharton's staff and students. Everyone has been friendly and respectful, he says, and school morale is high coming off the football team's appearance in December's state championship game. "The goal here is just enhance what we already have," said the 49-year-old. "It already is a great place, but it has the potential to be greater." Specifically, Gaffney said he would like to raise Wharton's attendance rates and improve its recent C grade on FCAT scoring. Football coach Richard Wood has not submitted a resignation letter yet, but he is eyeing a professional opportunity, and Gaffney said he would like to be prepared in case the Hillsborough County coach of the year decides to leaves. The former principal of Adams Middle School officially begins his term at Wharton Feb. 5. Born in Forest Hills, Gaffney joined the Hillsborough County School District in 1980 as a teacher at Tomlin Junior High School at the age of 26. His mother worked as a teacher for 39 years. He is the father of two children, both in their 20s. Gaffney has six years of experience working at King and Gaither High Schools and said he would have to refamiliarize himself with high school, not learn it for the first time. And those students for whom school isn't the top priority should take heart. Gaffney has been there. "School was a little different for me," he said. "I was probably a challenging student. Not bad or disrespectful or anything like that. But as a high school student, I never worked to my potential at all." The key is dealing with students -- self-motivated or not -- is to treat them the same, Gaffney said. "As long as you're fair and respectful to kids, they'll do anything, honest to goodness. Kids are good, bottom line." Next Sunday in North of Tampa schools: Meet Cora-Lynne Wimberly, principal of Heritage Elementary School. -- John Balz can be reached at (813) 269-5313 or at balz@sptimes.com .
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From the Times |
