Schools
Search begins for principal's successor
Replacing late Robinson High leader Kevin McCarthy will be a difficult challenge as the beloved principal left a huge legacy.
By ELISABETH DYER, Times Staff Writer
Published December 12, 2003
INTERBAY - Earlier this week, Hillsborough school officials began the search for a Robinson High School principal, a position left vacant by the death of Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy, who was 39, died Nov. 16 of a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or a tear of a vessel wall in the heart, said Associate Medical Examiner Jacqueline Lee.
A new principal for Robinson isn't expected until after school resumes in January, said Hillsborough school spokesman Mark Hart.
"Kevin's going to be really hard to replace," Hart said.
Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. Dec. 19.
McCarthy was the youngest high school principal in the county when he landed the job at Robinson in February 2001. He was known as a dynamic leader.
"He had a really tremendous impact (at Robinson)," said assistant principal David Fyfe. "Not a day goes by that I don't think of him in some way, something he said or did."
Despite his absence, things are continuing as usual at Robinson, staff said.
"I think that's a sign of a great leader. We miss him, but everything's been running very smooth," said Kristin McWilliams, a ninth-grade algebra teacher who heads the track team.
McWilliams bonded with McCarthy over their mutual love of running.
"He was a very good friend to me. It's tough," said McWilliams. "And the kids feel it too. They miss him and want to do well for him."
McCarthy started the year with three goals for the school: to improve literacy, make ninth-graders feel a part of the school and raise test scores for students in the bottom quartile.
His office is empty but his legacy continues as others promote reading and encourage ninth-graders to join school activities. Low performing students are targeted and grouped in "families" for extra help.
In October, when the school received a $180,000 grant to revitalize its media center, McCarthy said he hoped students would think of it as "home."
Ninth-grade reading teacher Maureen Brooks said McCarthy worked hard to notice students.
"I was amazed by how much they were impacted in a short time. They did feel part of the school."
Brooks said McCarthy kept her under his wing after a career change brought her to Robinson this year. He offered encouragement and visited her class often.
Before McCarthy's death, Brooks had measured her success by imagining she was being observed during class. Now she imagines McCarthy still keeping an eye on her. Brooks likes the thought.
"My standards are high; his are a little higher," she said. "And that's where I want to be."
McCarthy began his career as a science teacher in 1989 in Bernardsville, N.J. He moved to Tampa with his family from New Jersey about six years ago.
His first job with the Hillsborough school district was as head of the Blake High School science department. He later served as an assistant principal at Wharton High School and then Robinson.
- Elisabeth Dyer can be reached at 226-3321 or edyer@sptimes.com
City Times headlines
The staff of their lives
Trolley may soon motor to Hyde Park
Masonic lodge gets a makeover
Amy Scherzer's DiaryWear plaid, eat hearty
ColumnMed style plastered all over
Neighborhood notebookPortions of Bayshore closed for road work
Neighborhood reportDowntown: Santa fans travel along his timeline at museum
Gandy/Sun Bay South: Residents wary of notorious landowner
Gandy/Sun Bay South: Warehouse transforms into new flea market
Palmetto Beach: Day care building may be purchased
ObituaryHe was an introvert - with dozens of friends
PeopleCollection with a twist
SchoolsSearch begins for principal's successor
Board names 6 principals in South Tampa
What's in a name?Tampa street named for pioneer
 |
