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Schools

Fresh-faced principals in county buck trend

Twenty-two people under 40 lead local schools as U.S. principals in general become grayer. Any drawbacks to youth? The consensus is no. Benefits? Yes.

By ELISABETH DYER
Published August 26, 2005

CULBREATH HEIGHTS - Scott Weaver turned 34 last week.

But he'd rather not make an issue of it. He prefers to focus on his new job as principal at Dale Mabry Elementary.

Since starting in February, he has gotten good reviews. Parents like that his own boys attend the school. "They feel I see things from their standpoint," he said.

Teachers like that he's approachable. They avoid pointing out his youthful appearance.

"When I first arrived, a few of them were discussing it, kind of jokingly, in a faculty meeting," he said. "So I told them how old I was and that was pretty much it."

Weaver is the youngest of about 200 principals in Hillsborough public schools and one of several under 40. Five years ago, there were nine principals under 40. Today there are 22.

That's because demand has increased for principals districtwide, said Lewis Brinson, assistant superintendent for administration. While the district has added schools, many older principals are retiring.

The result?

"Generally, principals are getting younger," Lewis said. "We just need good quality people, and they're in a good situation because they have an opportunity to become a principal at a younger age."

The trend goes against the national norm. A 2003 study of U.S. public school principals by the Rand Corp. found that the age of first-year principals is rising. In 1988, 38 percent of new principals were 40 or younger; in 2000, 12 percent were. The average age of principals rose from 47.8 to 49.3 during that time.

As principals become older, though, the nation is facing a shortage, according to the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The top three factors discouraging new principals, as cited by nationally surveyed superintendents, were time required, low compensation compared with responsibilities, and job stress.

Brinson says hiring young principals serves the district well.

"We need all the energy we can get out of people, and it's good to know that we'll have (them) around for many years," he said.

Hillsborough principals generally work 60 hours a week, he said. Pay starts at $64,275 and can reach $90,520.

Principals must have three years of teaching experience and a master's degree in education leadership. They also must complete a two-year Preparing New Principals program and go through district screening.

Several South Tampa area principals were appointed at 40 or younger.

In 2001, the late Robinson High principal Kevin McCarthy was the youngest high school principal in the district at 36. Today, Jake Russell is the youngest high school chief at 34. Formerly an assistant principal at Middleton, Russell moved to Sickles High School this year.

Stephanie Woodford was 38 when appointed to Wilson Middle School, and Eric Bergholm was 39 when appointed to Plant High School. Maribeth Franklin was named principal at Coleman Middle School when she was 37.

"I think passion is passion and (age) doesn't really have anything to do with the effectiveness of a principal," said Franklin, who set her sights on being a principal while in college.

At Just Elementary School, teachers and students wished principal Tricia McManus a happy birthday when she turned 37 last week. "You get the "my principal didn't look like that when I was in school,' " said McManus, who was 34 when appointed principal at Twin Lakes Elementary.

McManus was transferred to Just to help lift the school's F grade from the state. While at Twin Lakes, the school rose from a C to an A.

Being young doesn't affect her performance, she said.

"I've been younger than many of my employees, and it's never come up," she said. "When they see why you're there and that you're willing to work very hard at any job that needs to be done, age is not even a question."

Area I director Valerie Orihuela, who manages principals in the South Tampa area, said young principals have a lot of enthusiasm.

"They're doing an excellent job," she said. "Age isn't relevant after they have experience."

The district links many young principals to ones with more experience. Weaver, at Dale Mabry, talks weekly with Susan Foster, principal at Gorrie Elementary, and meets several times during the year to set and review goals.

"Sometimes I'll ponder something and call her just to run it by," Weaver said.

Weaver arrives at school at 6:45 a.m., often with sons Nate, 6, and Bryce, 10. After checking e-mails, he meets students and parents at the gates from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

"I like to greet students and talk to parents," he said. "It keeps me abreast of any concerns."

During the school day, he monitors classrooms, evaluates staff and balances the school budget. In classrooms and halls, he waves to students.

He generally doesn't leave until 6 p.m.

"I know that I have a lot to learn," he says.

But his age?

"It hasn't even been an issue."

Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this report. Elisabeth Dyer can be reached at 226-3321 or edyer@sptimes.com

[Last modified August 25, 2005, 13:53:47]